LAHORE, FEB 06 (ONLINE): Lahore High Court (LHC) has admitted for preliminary hearing petition seeking nullification of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 besides issuing notice to federal government and other respondents.
Petition filed by Federal Union of Journalists (FUJ) through Raja Riaz came up for hearing before Justice Farooq Haider of LHC Thursday.
Election Commission, PTA and others have been made respondents in the petition.
Shahbaz Akmal advocate took the plea National Assembly (NA) approved bill regarding amendment in PECA act last week.
NA suspended its rules to fast-track the legislation.
Under the PECA Amendment Act, a punishment up to three years in prison and fines will be imposed for spreading fake information.
According to petitioner PECA has been used as silent weapon in the past.
The freedom of expression which is left a bit will stand restricted due to addition of new sentences in PECA amendment act. PECA bill was brought without consultation with journalists organizations and respective stake holders. The freedom of expression as envisaged in the constitution will be affected gravely due to approval of PECA amendment bill.
PECA amendment act is unconstitutional and is in conflict with the protection of freedom of speech spelt out in the constitution.
The petitioner has requested LHC to declare PECA amendment act unconstitutional and null and void. The court should link the action taken under PECA amendment act to the final decision of this petition.
Follow the PNI Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
