A two-member bench of the Peshawar High Court, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmad and Justice Kamran Hayat Mian Khel, heard a petition regarding internet shutdowns and slow service.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that internet services in Pakistan are often disrupted or slowed without any formal orders or rules. He highlighted that during protests, the internet is deliberately slowed, affecting businesses and daily activities across the country.
Justice Waqar Ahmad asked the petitioner’s counsel if the government denies deliberately slowing down the internet. The counsel responded that internet services are indeed disrupted during protests.
Justice Kamran Hayat Mian Khel noted that there are two types of internet: landline-based services, which remain operational but slow, and mobile network services, which are more significantly affected.
The court directed the petitioner’s counsel to provide details and any relevant material on the matter at the next hearing. The court also summoned responses from the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Information regarding the issue of internet shutdowns and slowdowns.
The hearing was adjourned, with the court seeking answers from the concerned authorities for the next session.
