PECA Amendment Act 2025 challenged in LHC
Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has heard a challenge to the PECA Amendment Act 2025. Jafar Bin Yar, a member of the Lahore Press Club (LPC), submitted the petition via his attorney. Parties to the petition include the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and others.
According to the petitioner, the PECA Amendment Bill was approved by the National Assembly last week. The Assembly expedited and suspended its norms in order to approve the PECA Bill. False information is punishable by three years in prison and a fine under the PECA Amendment Act.
According to Jafar Bin Yar, PECA has historically been employed as a covert weapon. The PECA Amendment Act’s increased penalties will also eliminate the nation’s remaining freedom. The pertinent parties and media outlets were not consulted when the PECA Bill was introduced.
Additionally, according to the petitioner, the Constitution’s provision of freedom of expression will be negatively impacted if the PECA Amendment Bill is approved. The Act violates the Constitution’s provision of freedom of expression and is unconstitutional.
Journalist Jafar has asked that the court rule that the PECA Amendment Act is unconstitutional and void, and that the court submit the activities conducted under the act to the petition’s ultimate ruling.
