The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday sought responses from mobile phone companies, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other respondents in a public interest petition concerning poor mobile network services in court premises.
Bench Hearing the Petition
A single bench of IHC, presided over by Chief Justice Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, conducted the hearing of the petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. The court directed all mobile phone companies, the PTA, the secretary interior, and the chief commissioner Islamabad to submit their replies regarding the inadequate mobile network services in district courts and high courts.
Issues Raised in the Petition
In its order, the court noted that the petition highlighted that mobile phone signals in courts are either very weak or completely non-existent, causing difficulties for litigants and lawyers in communicating with each other. This has slowed down the pace of work in courts and led to unnecessary delays in the provision of justice. The bench observed that the points raised in the petition were worth pondering over.
Arguments by Judicial Activism Panel
Azhar Siddique Advocate appeared on behalf of the Judicial Activism Panel and argued that an important question of public interest has been raised in the petition. He stated that the mobile network system within the premises of the superior judiciary and district courts is not functioning properly. Mobile network signals in the courts are very weak or there is no service at all. Lawyers and litigants face severe difficulties, as immediate contact cannot be made during court proceedings, and access to online legal information and court-related matters is not possible. He further said that the work of the courts is slowing down, causing unnecessary delay in the delivery of justice.
Next Steps
The court has sought responses from all respondents, including mobile companies, PTA, secretary interior, and chief commissioner Islamabad, to address the issue. The case is expected to be heard again after the replies are submitted.
