The Islamabad High Court has notified the Attorney General for judicial assistance regarding petitions filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Anchors Association against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Justice Inam Amin Minhas presided over the hearing of these petitions in the Islamabad High Court. During the proceedings, office-bearers of journalist organizations and Advocate Imran Shafiq appeared before the court.
Advocate Imran Shafiq, representing PFUJ, argued that the PECA Act was passed in such haste that it contains clear errors in its clauses. He pointed out that the Act provides two contradictory definitions of the petitioner, making it unreasonable.
He further stated that the complaint authority established under PECA already exists within the PEMRA law.
President of the High Court Bar, Advocate Riyasat Ali Azad, argued that this law directly violates Articles 19 and 19-A of the Constitution by imposing unnecessary restrictions on freedom of expression.
Justice Inam Amin Minhas questioned whether the petitioners believed that fake news should be prevented or not. He acknowledged that fake news is a serious issue but emphasized the need for balance in addressing it.
Advocate Riyasat Ali Azad added that, under this law, appeals against decisions can only be filed in the Supreme Court, without any prior consultation with stakeholders. He argued that compelling journalists to disclose their sources would restrict press freedom, as journalists rely on confidential sources for information. If sources cannot be protected, journalists would be left reporting only weather forecasts.
The petitioners repeatedly urged the court to halt the implementation of the law immediately. However, Justice Inam Amin Minhas stated that if any new aspects emerge, the court will consider them and a separate petition can be filed if necessary.
The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for further assistance in the case and adjourned the hearing.
