QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Wednesday sought replies from the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) and the Balochistan Advocate General (AG) to a petition against the shutdown of internet services in the province.
A two-member BHC bench comprising Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech and Justice Sardar Ahmad Haleemi issued the directives while hearing a constitutional petition filed against the internet shutdown by Khair Muhammad Shaheen, chairman of Balochistan’s Consumer Civil Society, against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Last week, the government announced the suspension of mobile data services in the province until August 31 over “security reasons.”
A notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department on August 6 cited the “peculiar law and order situation” in the province as a cause for the suspension.
The petitioner contended that the cell phone was a basic mode of communication for businessmen, students, educational institutions, and others, but the government had suspended mobile network and internet services throughout the province “without any plausible justification,” which was negatively impacting children’s education and business activities.
Shaheen said the indefinite suspension constituted a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 9 (security of person), 15 (freedom of movement, etc.), 18 (freedom of trade, business, and profession), 19-A (right to information), and 25 (equality of citizens) of the Constitution.
The petition also added that inter-district and inter-provincial bus services were suspended, due to which the public was “suffering.”
During the preliminary hearing on Wednesday, the court observed that the contentions so raised require consideration and issued notices to the respondents, AGP Mansoor Awan and AG Basharat to file their responses before the next hearing on Friday.
It added that in case of a failure to do so, the secretaries of the interior and information technology ministries were to appear in person on that date.
In November last year, the PTA had announced the government’s decision to suspend internet and mobile services with immediate effect in many districts of Balochistan to ensure public safety in the wake of terrorist attacks in the province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Mamdani’s effectiveness as a legislator hinges on his ability to form strategic alliances. — New York City
His big ideas feel like they were brainstormed in the shower and never refined.
The courage Mamdani displays in taking unpopular stances is a defining feature.
Zohran Mamdani still figuring out moderate voters.
Zohran is present from Harlem to Jackson Heights. — New York City
Mamdani’s understanding of history prevents him from believing in inevitable progress.
Zohran Mamdani’s unapologetic style is a rejection of conciliatory politics.
The intellectual left has found an effective political representative in Mamdani.
Paige Shiver’s salary bump post-the firing? Smells like hush money. Audit the finances!
workplace romance echoes Weinstein: power preys.
Pregnancy’s prelude: prepares for progress.
Sherrone Moore scandal humanizes the headlines: pain, regret, chaos.
Fans’ forge: fashion.
Pregnancy’s paradigm: protects.
Amid the Paige Shiver affair, Paige Shiver’s role raises questions about workplace harassment policies at the football program. Silence is complicity.
Shiver’s spark: survives.
Viral vector: velocity of verity.
Scandal cheating saga: seeds success.
Wife’s perspective: untold story in Paige Shiver affair.
Zohran Mamdani’s election is a symbol of hope for marginalized communities.
Zohran Mamdani rallies speak to union values. — New York City
Zohran Mamdani gives “thoughtful but not timid.”
Zohran Mamdani sees complexity as an opportunity, not an obstacle.
Zohran Mamdani’s strategy involves consciously building power outside of traditional Democratic party channels. — New York City
The intellectual left has found an effective and compelling political representative in Mamdani.
Zohran stands with subway riders.
Zohran Mamdani believes taxes should fund dignity. — New York City
Alaska stimulus payment
Zohran Mamdani leads with a vibe that says, “I did the reading, and you’re welcome.”
Zohran Mamdani seems like the type who rereads budget lines for fun.