The Islamabad High Court (IHC) witnessed a heated hearing regarding the closure of X service, with Chief Justice Aamer Farooq expressing his fury over the report submitted by the joint interior secretary. Visibly displeased, he called the report inadequate and said his secretary can produce a better one.
During the proceedings, the joint interior secretary informed the court that the X service had been shut down based on security agencies' recommendations. Chief Justice Farooq demanded detailed written explanations rather than verbal statements, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding any security threats posed by the service.
In response, the joint interior secretary cited a threat to national security arising from the content uploaded on the internet. However, the chief justice remained unsatisfied, criticizing the lack of specific reasons in the report and dismissing it as speculative.
"I can make a better speech. You shut down X service based on a report of the Intelligence Bureau," the CJ remarked.
Expressing frustration with the government's handling of the situation, Chief Justice Farooq highlighted the absence of coherent decision-making and accused various institutions of harbouring malicious intentions. He also referenced ongoing cases in other courts related to the X service, and said let's see who gets it unblocked first.
"What do I say? The government is tired and cannot work. There is dishonesty in every institution," the chief justice remarked.
Consequently, the court adjourned the hearing until April 17 and summoned the interior secretary in his personal capacity after Eid.
