Tag: Justice Farooq

  • Government says X is a national security threat

    Government says X is a national security threat

    The Federal Interior Ministry’s joint secretary told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that “content uploaded on the internet” is a “threat” to Pakistan’s national security.

    Journalist Ehtesham Abbasi had filed a petition in IHC against the closure of X, formerly Twitter.

    X has been inaccessible in the country since February 17 and millions of users have been deprived of their basic rights.

    Justice Aamer Farooq heard the plea and asked the interior ministry about any written communication of the closure. “What is this method? What is this attitude? Assist the court,” said the IHC CJ, adding that everything is “closed and jammed”.

    The court expressed reservations that if the matter is as serious as national security then it should have been given in official writing. “Show us the documents. There will be no verbal conversation,” asserted Justice Farooq.

    “You closed X on the Intelligence Bureau’s (IB) report. There are no reasons written in it, only a report based on speculation,” he added.

  • Intelligence reports that Imran may be attacked again, IHC says

    Intelligence reports that Imran may be attacked again, IHC says

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday said that intelligence reports have identified that there may be danger of another attack on Imran Khan, former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Chief Justice of IHC, Aamer Farooq, passed the remarks during the hearing of two merged petitions — PTI’s plea seeking a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for a protest sit-in in Islamabad and traders’ petition for ensuring the citizens’ rights to access the roads during the prolonged political demonstrations, reports Geo News.

    During the hearing, the police presented a report before the court, stating that there is a possibility of another bid on Imran Khan’s life during the protest.

    To this, the Chief Justice remarked that it is the government’s responsibility to address the issue.

    About the protest in Islamabad, Justice Farooq said the administration should take a decision on PTI’s request in accordance with the law and ensure that roads are not blocked. He also added that the government will decide on the venue for the PTI and where they can protest in Islamabad.

    During the hearing, the chief justice also noted the blockage of roads caused by PTI, stating, “You [PTI] blocked the GT Road, the motorway, and other important highways. You should also have shown some responsibility.”

    Earlier this month, the PTI chief survived an assassination attempt in Wazirabad during his party’s long march. Khan sustained multiple bullet injuries in his legs.