Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revised its stance on the recent closure of X (formerly Twitter) in the country. In a new statement, the PTA now attributes the closure to an “unintentional mistake” made under pressure. This new explanation suggests that the decision was made hastily or without due consideration.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is facing criticism from the Sindh High Court (SHC) for changing its stance on the blocking of the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). In a new statement, the PTA says that the closure of X was because of an “unintentional mistake” made under pressure.
During a hearing on Monday, SHC Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui expressed dissatisfaction with PTA’s sudden reversal of the Interior Ministry’s order to ban the platform. The court questioned if PTA’s actions amounted to misconduct, with the Chief Justice asking, “Who gave you these instructions? Name the person.” The court was visibly displeased with PTA’s inconsistency.
PTA’s lawyers argued that the error was unintentional and happened due to the high volume of cases. However, the court remained unconvinced and warned that it might initiate contempt proceedings if PTA failed to clarify its actions. The court may also summon the PTA’s chairman to explain the situation further.
Previously, PTA had informed the court that the Interior Ministry had withdrawn its order to block X. However, the PTA now claims that this was based on a misunderstanding. The court postponed the case until September 24 and will combine it with similar cases. For now, the previous order regarding the suspension of X remains unchanged.
PTA’s Confusing Position on X Suspension
Last Saturday, PTA requested the SHC to reconsider its September 12 ruling, which had temporarily lifted the ban on X. PTA now claims that the court’s decision was based on incorrect information provided by its lawyer. PTA mistakenly informed the court that the Interior Ministry had reversed its ban on X.
In affidavits submitted to the court, PTA explained that their lawyers mixed up the instructions because the same court was hearing two different cases. PTA clarified that the Ministry’s notification to ban X was still in place and requested the court to retract or modify its earlier order.
The confusion has led to significant challenges for PTA, which now seeks to clear up the misunderstanding before the court takes further action. The case is set to continue on September 24.
