Suspension of mobile networks is illegal, rules IHC

Suspension of mobile phone services for 'security concerns' is illegal, declared the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday.

Justice Athar Minallah announced his verdict after reserving his decision back in September, local media reported. The judge in his verdict said that the decision of federal government and other authorities suspending mobile phone services is illegal and made 'without lawful authority and jurisdiction.'

A citizen had filed multiple petitions last year against suspension of mobile phone services. The petitioners argued in their plea that suspending the mobile phone services was a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens and against the Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act 1996.

For the security of people celebrating their respective religions, government had started the practice of suspending mobile phones services till the religious events ended. Mobile phone services were suspended last year on Ashura and Eid Miladun Nabi.