Lahore High Court judge Justice Shakil Ahmad criticised the state counsel on Friday for his lack of knowledge and seriousness regarding the recent widespread internet disruptions across Pakistan.

The disruptions, which have impacted major online platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, have been a source of growing concern and speculation in the country.

After months of uncertainty, the government finally confirmed yesterday that it was upgrading the national “web management system” to address cybersecurity threats.

During the hearing of a petition filed by a Lahore-based lawyer, Justice Ahmad expressed dissatisfaction with the state counsel’s lack of preparedness.

The counsel admitted that he did not have adequate information about the situation and would need to consult the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to provide a detailed report.

“This is a matter of public interest and your seriousness is such that you do not even have adequate information [about this issue],” Justice Ahmad remarked.

The judge said he would issue appropriate directives to address the petition, which argued that the internet shutdowns were unconstitutional and violated various fundamental rights.

Read more

Internet disruption: What is ‘web monitoring system’ undergoing upgrade in Pakistan

Internet disruption: What is ‘web monitoring system’ undergoing upgrade in Pakistan

Social media platforms down in Pakistan amid PTI virtual jalsa: Netblocks

The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has warned that the country’s economy could lose up to $300 million due to the prolonged internet disruptions.

The government has assured that it is working to resolve the issue, but the lack of transparency and the LHC’s strong rebuke of the state counsel have raised further questions about the management of this critical infrastructure.