ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday referred the matter seeking internet connectivity in tribal districts to the federal cabinet.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah was hearing the petition of students from the region who were seeking restoration of internet services in their respective areas. He inquired from the counsel of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about restraining access of the internet to tribal youth.

PTA’s lawyer Munawar Iqbal Duggal informed the court that the authority had written a letter to the interior ministry in which it had consented to provide internet services in tribal districts. However, the deputy attorney general told the court that due to security concerns, the interior ministry had not given permission for resumption of internet services in the region.

The court observed that since it cannot determine the security situation, therefore, this matter may be referred to the federal cabinet.

Since the matter also pertains to fundamental rights, the cabinet is expected to take a decision, keeping this aspect under consideration, Justice Minallah added.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2021