LAHORE:
The Government has informed the Superior Court of Lahore (LHC) that it is not possible to provide a list containing names of government officials who use X, Twitter trainer, even after imposing a temporary prohibition on the platform.
A three -member bank led by the president of the LHC, Aalia Neelum, resumed on Tuesday when listening to a plea that seeks instructions for the Government to improve Internet speed, Restore X and that prohibits the prohibition of virtual private networks (VPN) and some other social networks platforms.
As the procedures began, the additional attorney general told the Court that the Telecommunications Authority of Pakistan (PTA) had submitted a report in this case. He said that the LHC had sought a list of government officials who use X “but it is not possible to provide this list.”
Speaking on the occasion, the lawyer of the petitioner, Azhar Siddique, said that the federal government and the PTA are not on the same page about the prohibition of X. Judge Neelum commented that there is no concept of “same page” in the courts. “You and the court are not on the same page either,” he added.
Siddique reiterated that the federal government did not present any written response, underlining the reason why X had become dysfunctional. “The court sought a list of those who use the government that use X but the list does not appear,” he added.
CJ Aalia Neelum commented that the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan should come prepared to the Court on April 17 and shed light on all the legal aspects of X Ban.
In his plea presented through Siddique, the petitioner, the journalist Hafiz Shakir Mahmood, had that, according to the world population review (WPR), Pakistan occupied the 198th position worldwide at the Internet speed. This placed Pakistan under countries such as Palestine, Bután, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Libya.
The petitioner declared that this classification is a significant indicator of the country’s digital infrastructure and its ability to support modern communication needs. The low classification reflects the challenges faced by Pakistani citizens to access reliable and rapid Internet services, which are essential for various aspects of daily life, including education, businesses and social interactions.
He argued that the Executive did not fulfill their duty under article 9, 29 and 38 of the Constitution. “In this case, the courts would have been correctly referred to the well -informed opinion of the government, taking into account the constitutionally defined separation of powers between the organs of the State.”
He said that the fundamental rights of the persons and also the duties of the State Executive Body by virtue of article (s) 29 and 38 (a) of the Constitution have been violated and asked the court to order the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures to improve the internet speed.
This, he said, includes updating the existing digital infrastructure, investing in new technologies such as 5G and fiber optic networks, and ensure that Internet service providers deliver speeds that meet global standards. “The improvement of Internet speed is essential to support the fundamental rights of citizens, including access to information, education and economic opportunities.”
He also asked the Court to approve an order to raise a VPN prohibition in Pakistan. VPNs are crucial to guarantee privacy and online safety, especially in a digital era where data infractions and cyber threats prevail. VPN -free use will allow citizens to protect their personal information and maintain their digital privacy.
In addition, he asked the Court to approve the Directorate for the restoration of access to X and other social media platforms that have been prohibited.
“The social media platforms are vital for free expression, communication and dissemination of information. The prohibition of these platforms violates the right of citizens to freedom of expression and hinders their ability to participate in public discourse,” he added.
