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.
