ISLAMABAD, Jul 7 (Alliance News): The federal government on Sunday submitted a written response in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) during the hearing of petitions challenging the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Act 2025, seeking to declare it null and void.
Justice Inam Amin Minhas presided over the hearing of petitions filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), television anchors, and the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association.
The petitions challenge the legality and constitutionality of the recent amendments made to the PECA law.
During the proceedings, the government submitted its official reply, while the public prosecutor informed the court that provincial governments had also been made respondents in the case. An objection raised by the Registrar’s Office regarding this was dismissed.
The court then directed the petitioners’ legal team to begin presenting their arguments. PFUJ’s counsel, Dr. Yasir Aman Khan, commenced the arguments by explaining the legal and historical context of PECA.
Justice Inam Amin Minhas inquired about the original framework of PECA and the nature of amendments introduced in 2025, asking for a detailed comparison to help understand the case.
Dr. Yasir Aman Khan explained that PECA was originally enacted in 2016 to address electronic and cybercrimes. He argued that the PECA Amendment Act 2025 incorporates significant changes that undermine freedom of expression and press freedom, making it necessary to examine its legality.
The case is expected to continue with detailed arguments from both sides in the coming days.
