IHC resumes hearing on 'X' ban petition today

Source: The Nation

ISLAMABAD - The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will resume hearing a petition against the ban on the social media site 'X' (formerly Twitter) today.

A single bench of the IHC, presided over by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, will conduct the hearing of the petition filed by Ehtisham Abbasi against the closure of 'X', which has largely been restricted in Pakistan since February 17. Previously, the Interior Secretary, Khurram Agha, on behalf of the ministry, submitted a report to the court in response to the petition challenging the ban on the social media platform.

The Interior Ministry informed the bench that the ban on the social networking site 'X', formerly known as Twitter, was necessary due to the platform's failure to address concerns regarding its misuse.

The report also requested the court to dismiss the petition, stating that "no right of the petitioner has been deprived". It added that the failure of Twitter/'X' to adhere to the lawful directives of the Government of Pakistan and address concerns regarding the misuse of its platform necessitated the imposition of a ban. It further stated that the petition against the closure of 'X' is contrary to law and facts. The FIA Cybercrime Wing had requested 'X' to ban accounts that were propagating against the Chief Justice. It noted that 'X' officials ignored the requests of the FIA Cybercrime Wing and did not respond, following which the decision to temporarily close the site was taken.

The report stated that at the request of intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Interior issued orders for the closure of 'X' on February 17, 2024, aimed at safeguarding national security and maintaining law and order. It maintained that the decision to impose a ban on Twitter/'X' in Pakistan was made in the interest of upholding national security, maintaining public order, and preserving the integrity of the nation.

The report also mentioned that social media platforms are being used indiscriminately to spread extremist ideas and false information, and 'X' is being used as a tool by some nefarious elements to undermine law and order and promote instability.

It further stated that the closure of 'X' is not against Article 19 of the Constitution and is in response to the rising security concerns that led to the ban on many social media platforms around the world.

The ministry maintained that the closure of the social media platform is not intended to curtail freedom of expression or access to information but is aimed at the responsible use of social media platforms in accordance with the law.

It continued that the Ministry of Interior is the protector of the citizens of Pakistan and responsible for national stability. The report mentioned that the government had also banned the social media platform TikTok earlier, and the ban was lifted after TikTok signed an agreement to abide by Pakistani law. The IHC Chief Justice mentioned that another petition had been filed regarding the disruption of the social media platform, and the court is also issuing notices to the respondents and seeking a reply on the new plea.