ISLAMABAD: The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Monday apprised the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the government would review the social media regulations that were introduced last year. AGP Khalid Jawed Khan informed IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, who was hearing the petitions of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Pakistan Bar Council, and a TikToker Ashfaq Jutt, challenging the social media rules of the PTA. The AGP told that the government would consult with the petitioners and all the stakeholders when it reviews the regulations.

He informed that the regulatory rules had not been finalised yet and the government could make amendments in the social media rules after consultations with the stakeholders.

Justice Minallah observed that Article-19 (Freedom of Speech) and Article-19A (Right to Information) of the Constitution were related to fundamental rights.

He added that it seemed that the stakeholders were not consulted in formulating the social media rules.

At that, the AGP told that the petitioners would be consulted and shutting down a social platform was not the right solution.

He requested the court to grant some time, so that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the relevant stakeholders could review the rules together.

Advocate Usama Khawar pointed out that while this does seem the most reasonable way forward, the petitioner’s contention is that they were promised earlier as well and asked to provide input which in turn was ignored while framing of Rules by the PTA. Usama’s contention acknowledged by the Chief Justice and one that the Attorney General assured to resolve moving forward, pledging meaningful future consultations. The chief justice accepting the AGP request said it was a “very positive” stance. He added that “consultation is necessary” and that it was “very appropriate” to review the regulations. He urged the petitioners to show confidence in the government officials and to “expect good things” from it. The IHC bench then deferred the hearing until February 26.

In this matter, the PFUJ urged the court to strike down the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards), Rules 2020, saying that the rules are unconstitutional.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021