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Awami Workers Party vs Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

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Latitude: 30.50420402694667

Longitude: 71.31445294618544

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Case Summary: In 2018, the PTA shutdown 22 news websites and popular social platforms during a protest. The websites were kept shut for more than 36 hours, along with the GSM networks, mobile Internet, and even the mainstream television news channels. This was perhaps the worst information blackout in Pakistan’s history. The petition challenged the PTA’s authority to shutdown websites without due process, and the erroneous interpretation of Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, which empowers the PTA to regulate online content. The court found that the PTA's interpretation resulted in the flagrant violation of the Constitution, and that they may not regulate online content without following the principles of due process, transparency and oversight.

Case Significance: This case did not set a binding or persuasive precedent either within or outside its jurisdiction. The significance of this case is undetermined at this point in time.

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