Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah has warned of contempt of court proceedings against the Ministry of Defence secretary over delay in a summary related to internet availability in the tribal districts.
He issued these remarks while hearing a petition against internet 'blackout' in Pakistan's tribal areas on Wednesday. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)'s lawyer told the court that the body had no concern over bringing internet to the tribal belt.
He added that the Interior Ministry has also approved the proposal to give internet access in tribal areas and that a summary in this regard was sent to the Ministry of Defence on Feb 19. A reminder was also sent, but the ministry failed to act, the counsel for PTA told the court.
CJ Athar Minallah then directed the defence secretary to proceed with the summary, adding that if he failed to fulfil the instructions, he should appear before the court to explain why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against him.
He issued these remarks while hearing a petition against internet 'blackout' in Pakistan's tribal areas on Wednesday. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)'s lawyer told the court that the body had no concern over bringing internet to the tribal belt.
He added that the Interior Ministry has also approved the proposal to give internet access in tribal areas and that a summary in this regard was sent to the Ministry of Defence on Feb 19. A reminder was also sent, but the ministry failed to act, the counsel for PTA told the court.
CJ Athar Minallah then directed the defence secretary to proceed with the summary, adding that if he failed to fulfil the instructions, he should appear before the court to explain why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against him.