PECA amendment bill challenged in LHC

The controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, a day after it was approved by the Senate amid ruckus by the opposition.The petition was filed by Jafar Bin Yaar, a member of the Lahore Press Club, through his lawyer. He has named the Election Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other parties as respondents.The petitioner said the National Assembly approved the PECA Amendment Bill last week, adding that the lower hours of the parliament suspended its rules to fast-track the approval process of the bill.He added that under the PECA laws, individuals can face up to three years of imprisonment and fines for spreading fake information.The petitioner argued that the law had been misused in the past. With the addition of new penalties under the amendment act, it is feared that the country’s already limited freedom will be further restricted.He further said the controversial bill was introduced without consulting relevant stakeholders and journalist organizations, expressing fear that it would suppress the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.Calling the PECA Amendment Act unconstitutional, he pleaded the court to declare it null and void. He also requested that any actions taken under this controversial act be suspended until the court makes a final decision on the petition.