ISLAMABAD: Amid the clamour and confusion, the federal government has called for reviewing social media regulatory rules after consolations with relevant stakeholders, Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah presided the hearing of a petition against the regulation titled ‘Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020’, which was passed in November 20 despite criticism and protests.
“It seems that stakeholders were not consulted while making the social media rules,” the chief justice said during today’s hearing. “Give some time, PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) and stakeholders will review the rules together,” the AGP said.
AGP Javed prayed upon the judge that petitioners and stakeholders would be consulted on the matter and that a complete ban or closure of any platform was not the solution.
To this, Justice Minallah said, “Consultation is necessary and appropriate. If they are ready to review the social media rules, give them your suggestions,” he added. The judge further added that the court should have full confidence in them and expected a positive outcome.
“Pakistan Bar Council and PFUJ are important stakeholders in this matter,” the judge said, adding, “We will not pass any general order on this matter. If an order is passed on the basis of these rules, then it can be challenged in court.”
