SHC Directs Interior Ministry to Withdraw Closure Order for X Within One Week

The Sindh High Court (SHC) in Karachi directed the Ministry of Interior to lift its suspension of social media platform X (formerly Twitter) within a week. The order came during a hearing on petitions filed by individuals challenging the ban.

SHC Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi expressed frustration with the government’s action, questioning the purpose of blocking “trivial things” and the potential for international ridicule.

Lamenting the suspension, the petitioner’s lawyer said using X and other social media platforms does not lead to “blasts.”.

“In hindsight, it seems that no justification was given to suspend X,” the SHC chief justice said, adding that the court will issue its orders if the interior ministry does not withdraw the directives issued on February 17.

Months-Long Suspension Sparks Legal Challenge

The social media platform, popular among millions of Pakistanis, has been inaccessible since February due to a government decision citing national security concerns. Petitioners challenged the legality of this decision.

Interior Ministry Cited as Source of Block

Last month, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) informed the court that the Ministry of Interior and intelligence agencies directed them to block X. The PTA argued that such suspensions are implemented after careful consideration of security threats.

National Security Concerns vs. Legal Authority

The Ministry of Interior, in a separate case before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), previously claimed “content uploaded on the internet” posed a threat to national security. However, during the SHC hearing, Chief Justice Abbasi emphasized that the law doesn’t authorize the Ministry to act solely on intelligence reports.

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battle surrounding the government’s suspension of social media platforms in Pakistan.

The court then adjourned the hearing till May 9, directing the Ministry of Interior to present its reasons behind the blocking of the social media platform on the said date.

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