WEB DESK: Islamabad High Court called upon the Attorney General for Pakistan to provide assistance regarding petitions that contest the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025.
Justice Inam Amin Minhas presided over a hearing regarding the petition submitted by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) alongside the Anchors Association.
Advocate Imran Shafiq represented the Pakistan Federation of United Journalists (PFUJ), while Advocate Riasat Ali Azad acted on behalf of the Anchors Association.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt, senior anchorperson Hamid Mir, Adnan Haider and Islamabad Union of Journalists President Tariq Virq were among those present.
Advocate Shafiq argued that the PECA Bill was enacted in a rushed manner, highlighting that even the sections of the legislation were inaccurately numbered.
“The law is full of mistakes… there are two contradictory definitions of applicant. Similarly, the complaint authority under the law is the same that functioned under PEMRA law,” he said.
The court responded that there certainly was a problem of fake news. “Whether fake news should be published or not,” he asked the lawyer.
Advocate Azad contended that appeals against tribunal decisions should be directed to the Supreme Court, suggesting a lack of appropriate procedural steps. He further emphasized that the stakeholders were not adequately consulted prior to the approval of the contentious bill.
“A journalist will be forced to reveal his source. How can one get information from a source under such circumstances? Only weather situation will be reported,” he contended while demanding repeal of the law.
PFUJ head Afzal Butt said they were not in favour of fake news. “We don’t support absolute freedom or violation of rules and regulations but no law should be in contravention of fundamental rights,” he argued.
During the hearing, the court called upon the Attorney General of Pakistan to provide assistance. In response, the Attorney General assured the petitioners that their views would be given due consideration, stating, “You may file a miscellaneous application.”
The court adjourned hearing of the case till a date to be decided later.
