"Sindh High Court Directs Authorities to Restore Access to Social Media Platform 'X'"

• "Numerous Petitions Filed with SHC Regarding Disruptions in Access to Social Media Platform"

• "Plea Alleges PTA Violated Constitutional Articles 19, 19-A, and 18"

• "Lawyer Claims PTA Acted Contrary to Its Own Laws"

"Sindh High Court Orders Restoration of Social Media Platform X (Formerly Twitter) and Ensures Uninterrupted Nationwide Access". In a session presided over by SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, several petitioners, including Zarrar Khuhro, Amber Shamsi, Zebunnisa Burki, and others, voiced their concerns about the intermittent disruptions experienced by users accessing the prominent social media platform, formerly known as Twitter. These disruptions, characterized by "unannounced" and sporadic suspensions in recent weeks, prompted the court's attention.

During today's proceedings, Chief Justice Abbasi inquired about the directives behind the suspension of the social media site. The petitioner's counsel clarified that only the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) possesses the authority to suspend access to such platforms. The petition, naming the state, Ministry of IT, and PTA as respondents, underscored that the disruptions occurred without prior notice or indication from the PTA, which holds exclusive authority over such actions on a national scale. Moreover, the petition highlighted the PTA's alleged violation of the PTA Act, PECA 2016, and the Removal Rules, emphasizing that any disruption of online content must adhere to narrowly defined exceptions.

Citing infringements upon constitutional rights outlined in Articles 19, 19-A, and 18, the plea urged the court to instruct authorities to restore public access to the social media platform and any other similarly restricted platforms.

Lawyer Moiz Jafferi highlighted that a similar petition concerning the suspension of internet and social media platforms on the recent polling day was under consideration by the high court. However, their plea specifically addresses the ongoing blockage of platform X for over five days, with journalists and academics approaching the court due to its impact on their research and professional activities.

Jafferi noted that while the federal government distanced itself from this action, the regulator, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has not acknowledged its role despite the prolonged disruption. He emphasized that the PTA's actions represent a clear failure to adhere to its own laws and defy various orders of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Furthermore, he referenced Justice Mansoor Ali Shah of the Supreme Court, who asserted that Article 19A rights cannot be restricted in this manner.

The lawyer expressed frustration that the PTA has yet to acknowledge the blockage of platform X, despite the court's directive deeming such actions illegal and ordering immediate reactivation of access for all Pakistanis.