IHC declares suspension of cellular service illegal

Author: Yaseen Hashmi

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday declared suspension of mobile phone service for security reasons illegal.

Hearing several petitions filed by cellular companies and a citizen, Justice Athar Minallah declared that the suspension of cellular services by federal government is illegal and ‘exceeds designated authority’.

The petitioners had said that the government suspends cellular services in the pretext of security concerns which is ‘a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens’. It was further mentioned that such a move from the ruling authority also violates the Pakistan Telecommunication Act 1996.

The federal government, however, replied that it has the authority to suspend mobile services in case of a security threat according to the article 54(2) of the Telecom Act.

The court reserved its verdict on September 21 after hearing arguments from both sides.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Editorial

Targeted Tragedy

By the time of writing this editorial on Thursday evening, the number of innocent passengers…

19 hours ago
  • Cartoons

TODAY’S CARTOON

19 hours ago
  • Editorial

Sour Sweeteners

Sugar. The sweetener word brings sour taste to one's mind when people come across the…

19 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

Trump’s Bureaucracy Cuts

The stunning results of the USA elections surprised both Democrats and Republicans alike. Trump's unprecedented…

19 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

Countering Misinformation

The advancement of technology around the world and the widespread spread of social media have…

19 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

“It’s the economy stupid!”

Pakistan's democratic system is in jeopardy. Civilians and the military have taken turns to rule…

19 hours ago