The Lahore High Court (LHC) has asked the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to respond to a plea seeking the restoration of cellular internet services and social media platforms, which were suspended after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman, Imran Khan.
The court has directed both parties to submit their replies by May 22. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that people’s lives have been disrupted by blocking internet services, while the government’s lawyer claimed that the ban was necessary due to the prevailing law and order situation.
During the hearing, the court inquired whether internet services could be suspended in the case of national security issues. The petitioner’s lawyer replied that even in matters of national security, internet services could not be suspended. After listening to both lawyers, the court adjourned the hearing until May 22.