Closure of social media platform 'X' challenged

 The closure of social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter has been challenged in Islamabad High Court (IHC), reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

 A journalist Ehtisham Abbasi filed an application in the court through his lawyers Sardar Masroof and Amna Ali requesting the court to end the ban on ‘X’ services and order to restore the social media platform throughout the country.

Ministry of Information and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have been made parties in the petition.

IHC Chief Justice Amir Farooq will hear the petition of Ehtisham Abbasi tomorrow (Tuesday).

The petition held that the services of social media platform ‘X’ has been banned since February 17 and its continued outage is a violation of Article 19.

It is pertinent that people across the country used the platform X via VPN services and faced ample difficulties on the cellular and laptop and computer devices while opening X site.

The PTA has not issued any official statement regarding the issue, maintaining silence amidst growing concerns over the recurring disruptions.

The PTA prior to Elections 2024, assured the nation that internet services would not be suspended in the country on February 8.

In an official statement, PTA assured internet users to expect internet facilities to be available without interruption or obstacles on the day of the elections.

Contrary to assurances, the internet and cellular services were shut down on the Elections 2024.

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani