A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan that defies the recent amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca), citing concerns about its impact on freedom of expression and human rights.
The statement, moved by the citizen presented by Muhammad Qayum Khan, urged the Apex court to tear down the amendments, calling them “ultra vires” to the constitutional authority of the legislature.
The petition also seeks a total review of the Court both of the recent changes and the original PCA law, arguing that they violate fundamental freedoms.
“In the national interest of peace and stability, it is humbly requested that a complete court bank reviews the amendment and the existing law in the light of our fundamental right to express opinions and share information in society,” says the petition .
The petition warned that Peca’s expansion could lead to state censorship and a legal action directed against political opponents, journalists and activists.
It should be noted here that opposition parties, media organizations and civil rights groups have widely condemned the law, arguing that it slows freedom of expression and restricts digital rights.
With the assent of President Asif Ali Zardari, the Modified Law of Peca has now entered into force. The reviewed provisions introduce stricter sanctions for disseminating “false” information, reduce the punishment for three -year prison misinformation and impose a fine of up to RS2 million.
The amendments also introduce several new regulatory bodies, including the Social Network Protection and Regulation Authority (SMPRA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Social Media Protection Court.
According to the new provisions:
- Any individual harmed by false information can request content elimination.
- The authorities must act within 24 hours to block or eliminate content.
- Social network platforms may be required to register and pay prescribed rates.
- A Social Network Complaints Council will handle public complaints.
- Special courts will resolve cases within 90 days, with Appeals allowed to the Supreme Court within 60 days.
The new petition occurs days after the 2025 Peca amendment law was challenged in the Superior Court of Lahore (LHC), with concerns raised about its impact on freedom of expression and press freedoms.
A written petition challenged the draft amendment Bill 2025, asking the Court to declare several of its unconstitutional provisions for being inconsistent with several articles of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.
The petition was presented by Jaffar Bin Yar through his lawyer, lawyer Nadeem Sarwar. The declaration appoints the Pakistan Electoral Commission (ECP), the Telecommunications Authority of Pakistan (PTA), the Ministry of Law, the Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications as surveyed.
The petition argues that the National Assembly accelerated the approval of the Bill of the Bill of the Peque last week by suspending its own rules, avoiding the necessary scrutiny.
