The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has revoked the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Ordinance 2022 that was promulgated through a Presidential Order earlier this year.
In a brief verdict, a single-member bench consisting of Chief Justice IHC, Justice Athar Minallah, has declared the amendments introduced to the PECA 2016 as unconstitutional.
Earlier this year in February, the Federal Government had promulgated a Presidential Ordinance that amended the PECA 2016, declaring the dissemination of fake news a non-bailable offense.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) had challenged the PECA Amendment Ordinance 2022 in the IHC. Seeking its revocation, PFUJ had contended that the Presidential Ordinance contradicted the right of freedom of expression enshrined in the 1973 Constitution.
During an earlier hearing of the case, Justice Athar Minallah had barred the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from arresting individuals under section 20 of PECA 2016 for an indefinite period of time.
Note here that Justice Athar Minallah will issue the detailed verdict on the PFUJ’s petition later.
