In an appeal to safeguard freedom of speech and expression, the Sindh High Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, issued a directive to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), instructing it to restore access to social media platform X (previously known as Twitter). This order comes after a ban imposed by the PTA since February 17, 2024.
The petition behind this decision came from Advocate Abdul Jafereii on behalf of a prominent journalist who argued that the blockage of X was retrogressive and arbitrary. The blockage, according to the petitioner, goes against Article 19 of the Pakistani Constitution, ensuring freedom of press and the right to freedom of speech and expression for all citizens.
Tensions have been growing as the PTA has been randomly blocking community access to the social media platform since February 17. This has incited backlash from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), which has pleaded with the government for immediate action, calling for full restoration of internet services nationwide. The group insists that any opposing move directly threatens the basic rights granted under the constitution.
International observers have also weighed in on the issue. US Department of State Spokesperson, Mathew Miller, expressed concern during a press briefing on similar situations of censorship and the effects they have on freedom of expression and association within Pakistan.
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