LHC rejects plea to suspend PECA Amendments

The Lahore High Court has rejected a plea seeking an immediate suspension of the implementation of various sections of the PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) Amendment.

The court stated that a decision would be made after hearing the arguments of all parties involved and issued notices to the concerned parties, requesting their responses within three weeks, according to Express News.

During the hearing, Justice Farooq Haider remarked that the court would await the positions of the parties before making a final decision.

The petition, filed by a journalist, was presented by Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, who argued that the amendments to the PECA Act were unconstitutional and would severely affect the freedom of expression in the country.

The petitioners argued that the recent amendments to the PECA Act, which were fast-tracked through the National Assembly after bypassing the usual parliamentary procedures, included provisions that would impose severe penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines for spreading fake information.

The petitioners expressed concerns that the PECA Act, which had previously been used as a tool for silencing dissent, would further curtail the remaining freedoms in the country.

The petition also stated that the PECA Amendment Bill had been introduced without consulting relevant stakeholders and journalistic organizations, violating the democratic process.

The petitioners argued that the amendments were in conflict with the fundamental right to freedom of speech guaranteed by Pakistan’s constitution, rendering the law unconstitutional.

The court was asked to declare the PECA Amendment Act as unconstitutional and strike it down. It was also requested that any actions taken under the amended law be put on hold until the final ruling was issued.

This case will be closely followed, as the outcome could have significant implications for media freedom and the protection of free speech in Pakistan.