Islamabad (Web Desk): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday summoned representatives from the federal government, the information ministry and the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) at next hearing on August 21 over the issue of internet disruptions across the country.
On Friday, the LHC reserved its verdict on a petition filed against the disruption of internet service across the country.
The single bench, comprising Justice Shakil Ahmed, heard the petition filed by Advocate Nadeem Sarwar.
The petitioner submitted that disruption in internet service and slow speed were severely affecting individuals associated with IT.
He also submitted that those conducting online businesses were facing significant difficulties.
The petitioner pleaded with the court to direct the concerned authorities to end the disruption in internet service.
During the proceedings, the court summoned a federal law officer and ordered him to seek instructions from the relevant quarters until 12 pm, while adjourning the hearing for a short while.
Later, as the proceedings resumed, the law officer requested time to submit a detailed response to the petition, stating the need to consult with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority regarding the slow internet speed.
However, the court noted that this was a public interest petition and that appropriate orders would be issued, besides questioning the level of seriousness of the law officer.
Subsequently, the court reserved its verdict on the petition.
Issuing the reserved verdict today, Justice Ahmad ordered that representatives of all the respondents in the case should ensure their attendance in the next hearing.
The judge summoned one representative each from the federal government, the Ministry of Information and the PTA at the next hearing on August 21.
The court also sought responses from all parties on the matter.