PECA amendments challenged in PHC

PESHAWAR:

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (PECA) 2025 has been challenged in the Peshawar High Court (PHC).

The writ petition filed in this regard has taken the stance that the recent amendments restrict fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, privacy and due process of law, which are in violation not only of the Constitution of Pakistan but also of international human rights.

The writ petition has been filed by Advocate Noman Mohib Kakakhel on behalf of social media influencer and activist Anil Masih, in which the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Interior, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and the Federal Investigation Agency have been made parties.

According to the writ petition, the amended act is an attempt to suppress freedom of the press in the name of criminalizing dissent, giving unnecessary powers to regulatory bodies, and the clause of preventing "false and misleading information" can be used against journalists, social workers, and other citizens.

According to the petition, the amendment act is made against Articles 4, 9, 10, 10-A, 19, 19-A, and 25 of the Constitution. The amendments restrict freedom of expression and freedom of the press.