Islamabad High Court has raised questions on government rules related to social media. The court has directed the PTA to take into consideration the objections of the Pakistan Bar on social media rules.
Chief Justice Athar Minullah lashed out at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and restrained PTA’s lawyer from quoting the example of India suppressing freedom of expression.
He said that do not mention India here, we are very clear that fundamental rights should not be violated. If India is doing wrong then we should start doing wrong too.
The court asked who suggested making such rules and which authority approved them? If social media rules discourage criticism, they discourage accountability.
The Chief Justice said that criticism should be encouraged and not discouraged. Government or anyone is above law and criticism. PTA should encourage criticism as it is the most important component of expression.
He said that why should anyone be afraid of criticism, everyone should face criticism. Even judicial decisions can be criticized, only fair trial should not be affected.
Counsel for the Pakistan Bar Council took the stand that certain provisions of the Rules give the impression that they are in conflict with the Constitution.
The High Court said that the protection of the fundamental rights of the citizens is the work of the Pakistan Bar Council, which is a representative body of lawyers.
On behalf of the PTA, the court was told that letters were written to Pakistan Bar, Islamabad Bar Council for suggestions.
The Islamabad High Court directed to satisfy itself at the next hearing that the Rules do not conflict with Article 19 and 19A. There will also be problems when you leave Suqam, Pakistan Bar’s objections are valid.
The Chief Justice said that these rules are also indicating the mindset. When court decisions become public, criticism does not constitute contempt of court.
He instructed the PTA lawyer to remember that there is a constitution and democracy, criticism is necessary for democracy, if you stop criticism in the 21st century, it will be a loss.
Further hearing of the case was adjourned till December 18 while seeking a response from the PTA once more.
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2024-07-08 00:44:00
