TikTok ban: IHC directs PTA to submit relevant rules

(Karachi) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit relevant rules on blocking the video-sharing app TikTok. The court was hearing petitions challenging the now-withdrawn temporary ban on the Chinese app, ARY News reported.

In October, the PTA had unblocked the app after the TikTok management assured it would block accounts uploading indecent and immoral content.

IHC bench, comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah, was hearing the case. During the proceedings, the CJ took exception to the telecommunication authority’s decision to impose a temporary ban on the app.

He said, "Who decides what is right and what is wrong." The chief justice stressed the need for laying down rules for the purpose.

"TikTok remained a source of living for low-income people during COVID-19 outbreak," he stated. Justice Minallah said the app is a key source of entertainment and that morals should be strong enough not to be hurt by anything.

After the hearing, the IHC adjourned the case for four weeks.

Earlier, the regulatory body said it had blocked the popular app after receiving complaints of vulgarity from members of the public.

In a statement, TikTok said it was “disappointed” that users in Pakistan were unable to access its service. Later, the PTA lifted ban on TikTok owing to pressure from the public and Tik Tok users.