The Islamabad High Court issued notices to the Ministry of Information Technology (IT) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) seeking replies by August 26 regarding petition against internet slowness and installation of firewall, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq on Tuesday heard the petition filed by senior journalist Hamid Mir. Advocate Iman Mazari appeared in court on behalf of the petitioner.

The court issued notices to the parties and adjourned the hearing till Monday.

Is the internet slow these days? Chief Justice Aamer Farooq asked the petitioner.

Before we issue an order let us know what actually has happened, the Chief Justice questioned.

Which ministry is concerned with this, to find out what is the reason for the drop in internet speed? Should we ask the PTA or the Ministry of Information Technology regarding this? the Chief Justice further queried.

Petitioner’s lawyer Iman Mazari told the court that the PTA is silent on this matter.

Whom to call secretary or the joint secretary? Chief Justice Amir Farooq questioned.

It is requested that the senior officials of the concerned ministries be summoned, Iman Mazari requested the court.

The court will call the one who knows the issue and can brief the court, the Chief Justice remarked.

The court issued notices to the parties and adjourned the hearing till Monday.

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani