PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalism

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 February 2025 |  JP Staff Report

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has approached the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, citing issues that jeopardize journalism. The case raises concerns over press freedom and legislative clarity.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—On Tuesday, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking the suspension of the PECA Amendment Act. The court presided over by Justice Inam Amin Minhas, issued a notice to the Attorney General for legal assistance.

During the hearing, PFUJ’s legal representative, Advocate Imran Shafiq, contended that the PECA Amendment Act was enacted in haste, pointing out inconsistencies such as incorrectly listed section numbers and contradictory definitions of an applicant.

The PECA Amendment Bill 2025, aimed at curbing electronic crimes, was ratified by President Asif Ali Zardari last month following approval from both houses of Parliament. However, concerns over its implications for press freedom have led to legal challenges.

Advocate Shafiq further argued that the government intends to establish special tribunals for PECA-related cases without consulting the relevant high court, which is a legal prerequisite. He also criticized the vague definition of fake news within the law, stating that it could criminalize even casual remarks. As an example, he highlighted that a joke about remarrying, shared in a WhatsApp group, could potentially lead to prosecution under the act.

Rai Saeed Ali Azad, President of the Islamabad High Court Bar, also opposed the PECA law, asserting that it violates Articles 19 and 19A of the Constitution, which protect freedom of speech and the right to information.

When Justice Inam inquired whether the dissemination of fake news should be prevented, he acknowledged the issue but maintained that any legislative measures should be balanced and fair.

Azad emphasized that journalists rely on confidential sources to report news, warning that if PECA is enforced in its current form, media professionals would be left with little to report beyond weather updates.

Following the arguments, the petitioners urged the court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act. The IHC has sought the Attorney General’s opinion before proceeding further with the case.