LHC serves notice to federal govt, in PECA Law 2025 case

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the federal government and others as it admitted a petition filed against Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for preliminary hearing.

Justice Farooq Haider conducted hearing on the petition filed by the Federal Union of Journalists, asking court to declare the controversial law null and void.

The Election Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) were also made parties in the case.

Advocate Shahbaz Akmal argued that last week, the National Assembly approved the bill related to the PECA Amendment, adding that rules were suspended to fast-track the legislation.

Under the PECA Amendment Act, a punishment of up to three years in prison and fines will be imposed for spreading fake information.

The petitioner stated that in the past, it had been used as a means to suppress the freedom, adding that the stricter punishments would further restrict the freedom of expression.

The lawyer argued that the amendment bill was introduced without consultation with stakeholders and journalists' organisations.

The petitioner contended that the approval of the PECA Amendment Bill is unconstitutional and contradicts the protection of freedom of speech provided in the Constitution.

The petitioner also requested that any actions taken under this controversial act be suspended until the court makes a final decision on the petition.

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