The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the restoration of all social media apps, including Twitter (referred to as “X” in the statement), while hearing petitions against the shutdown of internet services on the election day in Pakistan. The two-member bench, led by SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi, expressed concern over the widespread shutdown of internet services during the crucial election period.
The court made sarcastic remarks directed at the public prosecutor, highlighting alleged irregularities in the election process. Chief Justice Abbasi commented on the government’s decision to shut down the internet, suggesting that it may have hindered the democratic process by not allowing people to contest elections or run election campaigns.
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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) counsel stated that the instructions to shut down internet services came from the Ministry of Interior, and they were following those instructions due to security concerns. The court questioned the rationale behind the internet shutdown during an election, emphasizing concerns about its impact on the democratic process.
In response, the court ordered the restoration of all social media apps, including Twitter, and adjourned the hearing until March 5. The court requested an explanation from the concerned authorities regarding the suspension of internet services on the election day, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the matter.
