Petition in IHC against firewall, internet shutdown

Islamabad: An application was filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the installation of firewall and internet shutdown.

The Cabinet Secretary, IT Secretary, and Interior Secretary have been made parties in the petition while Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Ministry of Human Rights are also included in the parties.

The petition has requested the court to stop the installation of the firewall affecting the fundamental rights of the citizens, making the installation of the firewall subject to the consultation of all stakeholders and the protection of fundamental rights.

It has also been appealed that access to the Internet for a livelihood should be declared as a fundamental human right under the Constitution, and a report based on all the details regarding the firewall should be sought from the parties.

The petitioner requested in the application that until the decision is made, the process of installing the firewall should be suspended, and the court should order to ensure uninterrupted access of the Internet to people.