A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court in Pakistan, which challenges the recent changes to the prevention of the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with reference to concern over their influence on freedom of expression and human rights.t
The placement, which was moved by citizen filed by Muhammad Qayum Khan, called on the point of point to crack down the changes and call them “Ultra Vires” to the legislature’s constitutional authority.
The petition is also seeking a full legal review of both the recent changes and the original PECA law, arguing that they are violating fundamental freedoms.
“In the national interest in peace and stability, it is humbly requested for a full court bench to review the amendment and the existing law in the light of our basic right to express statements and share information in the community,” the petition states.
The petition warned that Peca’s expansion could lead to state censorship and targeted litigation against political opponents, journalists and activists.
It should be noted here that opposition parties, media organizations and civil rights groups have largely condemned the law and argued that it is slowing free expression and limiting digital rights.
With President Asif Ali Zardari’s consent, the changed PECA law has now taken effect. The revised provisions impose stricter sanctions to spread “false” information online, lower the penalty for incorrect information to three years in prison and impose a fine of up to RS2 million.
The changes also introduce several new regulatory bodies, including social media protection and regulatory authority (SMPRA), National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and Social Media Protection Tribunal.
Under the new provisions:
- Any individual concerned about false information may request the removal of content.
- Authorities must act within 24 hours to block or take down content.
- Social media platforms may be required to register and pay prescribed fees.
- A clause on social media will handle public complaints.
- Special courts will resolve cases within 90 days, with appeals allowed to the Supreme Court within 60 days.
The fresh petition comes days after the PECA Change Act 2025 was contested in Lahore High Court (LHC), with concerns raised over its influence on freedom of expression and freedom of press.
A written petition contested PECA amendment to the 2025 amendment, in which he requested the court to declare several of its provisions that are not constitutionally in accordance with various articles in the Pakistan Constitution, 1973.
The petition was filed by Lahore Press Club member Jaffar bin Yar through his lawyer, spokesman Nadeem Sarwar. The placement names the Election Commission in Pakistan (ECP), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), MINISTRY OF LAW, CABINET DIVISION and MINISTRY OF INFORMATION Technology & Telecommunication as respondents.
The petition claims that the National Assembly quickly asked the approval of the PECA change proposal last week by suspending its own rules by bypassing the necessary control.
