Showing his strong displeasure over the Ministry of Interior’s failure to submit a report on the ban on social media platform ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, Chief Justice (CJ) of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Aamer Farooq on Wednesday ordered the secretary interior to appear in the court in person, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

However, joint secretary of the ministry who appeared in the court, told the CJ that the ban on ‘X’ had to be imposed on the basis of reports of the country’s intelligence agencies.

This irritated CJ Farooq who asked the ministry official to explain in detail the exact reasons for imposing the ban? “This is no way. Tell us what you have done during the period between the last and today’s hearing,” the judge said, adding, “Neither have you brought any file nor any other document with you. Please tell me what should I write down?”

“The government has banned everything. Should I summon the secretary?” he questioned.

Please inform us in writing joint secretary sahib, the CJ went on to say, what were the security threats, which had prompted the government to impose a ban on the social media platform?

“I am telling you that I am not interested in listening to speeches. I am a better speaker than you,” he said, and questioned, “Should I write down in the judgment that the government is tired and is incapable of running the country?

The chief justice lamented that there was dishonesty in every department. “I will summon the secretary and ask him the exact reasons for banning ‘X’.

Later, the court adjourned the case’s hearing until April 17.

Seven days ago, the IHC bench, while hearing the petition against ban on ‘X’, had summoned the concerned officer of the Ministry of Interior on April 3.

IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition filed by Ihtesham Abbasi, a journalist.

Counsel for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), on the occasion, submitted to the court the Authority’s reply in the case.

Reporter: Ihtesham Kiani