Court seeks clear answer from PTA over X shutdown

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court Wednesday adjourned the hearing on the petition filed against the shutdown of social media platform X (formerly Twitter) till March 26.

According to the details, Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Aamer Farooq heard the petition of journalist Ehtesham Abbasi, during which the lawyers of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) appeared in the court and sought time for preparation.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked what happened to the petition filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC).  there was a hearing on the contempt of court petition, on which the petitioner's lawyer said that a notice has been issued on the contempt of court petition.

The Chief Justice spoke to the PTA lawyer to submit a clear answer at the next hearing. The clear answer should tell the court what is actually happening.

Counsel PTA took the stand that they have objections to the admissibility of this petition to which the Chief Justice remarked that whoever has done it but a social media platform has been shut down.

According to media reports, this case is not strongly administered in Sindh too, that's why you have been told that a detailed answer should be submitted in this court, stated Aamer Farooq.

The petitioner's lawyer said that shutting down the social media platform is a violation of fundamental rights. On which the Chief Justice replied: ‘Let their response come, you should not show all your cards beforehand. That is why I am asking for a quick reply and the hearing has been set as earlier as possible’.

Later, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the case till March 26.