LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued notices to the federal government and other parties on a petition that has challenged the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025.
The petition claims that the new penalties in the amended PECA law will end freedom of expression in the country. It also alleges that the government made these amendments without consulting media organizations and other relevant stakeholders.
The petition argues that the PECA amendments violate the Constitution’s protections for freedom of expression. It urges the LHC to declare the PECA law unconstitutional and void.
Earlier on Friday last, the Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected a petition to halt the implementation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill 2025.
Justice Farooq Haider remarked the court would decide on the stay order after receiving responses from the concerned parties. The judge issued notices and asked all respondents to submit replies within three weeks.
The petitioner claims that the government approved the PECA bill without consulting stakeholders and journalist unions. According to the petition, the bill imposes severe penalties, including three years of imprisonment and a fine.
Also Read: Supreme Court moved for full court review of PECA law
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendments Act, 2025, has been enforced across Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zarari gave his assent to the controversial law.
After the Senate and National Assembly passed the PECA Amendment Bill, 2025, journalists staged protests nationwide, demanding the government repeal the legislation.
