The Islamabad High Court has received a plea from veteran journalist Hamid Mir objecting to the implementation of an internet firewall in Pakistan. Through attorney Imaan Mazari, he filed a petition claiming that the firewall violates residents’ fundamental rights, especially the freedom of speech and information access. In the petition, it is requested that the court put an end to the installation process until appropriate stakeholder consultations have taken place and basic rights safeguards have been implemented.

Mir’s petition further highlights the need for internet access to be recognised by the constitution as a fundamental human right because it is essential for sustaining livelihoods. The petition names the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of Human Rights, the Cabinet Secretary, the IT Secretary, and the Interior Secretary as respondents. The court is requested to demand a detailed report on the firewall and its impact on internet users​ (Pakistan Today)​ (Startup Pakistan)​ (The Neutral).