Senior journalist Hamid Mir has submitted a petition to the Islamabad High Court, challenging the government’s plan to install an internet firewall in Pakistan.
Mir, a prominent TV anchor and columnist, argues that the firewall would infringe upon citizens’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
He contends that the move would also stifle journalism and hinder the ability of the press to hold those in power accountable.
The petition asserts that the internet firewall would enable the government to censor online content, block websites, and monitor citizens’ online activities, thereby creating a culture of surveillance and fear.
Mir’s petition also highlights the potential economic consequences of such a move, including a decline in foreign investment and a loss of business opportunities.
By challenging the internet firewall, Mir aims to protect the rights of Pakistani citizens and ensure that the country’s digital landscape remains open and free.
The Islamabad High Court has accepted Mir’s petition and is expected to hear the case soon.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Pakistan’s digital future and the balance between national security concerns and individual freedoms.
Mir’s petition has been praised by many in the journalism and civil society communities, who see it as a crucial step in protecting Pakistan’s democratic values and promoting a free and open internet.
