ISLAMABAD: A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a full court review of the recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The filed by a citizen, Muhammad Qayum Khan, argues that the changes violate freedom of speech and human rights.

The petition urges the court to strike down the amendments, calling them “ultra vires” to the Constitution.

It also seeks a full court review of both the amendments and the original PECA law. The plea states that these laws restrict fundamental rights.

“The full court must review the amendments and the existing law in light of our right to express opinions and share information,” the petition states. It warns that PECA’s expansion could lead to state censorship and targeted legal action against political opponents, journalists, and activists.

The Sindh High Court is also hearing a challenge to the PECA Amendment Act. Advocate Ibrahim Saifuddin filed the petition, naming the federal government, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications as respondents.

Opposition parties, media organizations, and civil rights groups have condemned the law. They argue that it curbs free speech and limits digital rights.

President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the amended PECA law, making it effective. The new provisions increase penalties for spreading “false” information online. They also reduce the punishment for misinformation to three years in prison and impose a fine of up to Rs2 million.

The amendments introduce new regulatory bodies, including:

  • Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA)
  • National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)
  • Social Media Protection Tribunal

Key provisions of the amendments include:

  • Aggrieved individuals can request content removal.
  • Authorities must act within 24 hours to block or take down content.
  • Social media platforms must register and pay fees.
  • A Social Media Complaint Council will address grievances.
  • Special tribunals must resolve cases within 90 days. Appeals can be filed with the Supreme Court within 60 days.

Another petition challenging the PECA Amendment Act 2025 was recently filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC). Lahore Press Club member Jaffar Bin Yar, through his counsel Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, argues that the law restricts press freedom.

Also Read: PTA blocks 469 apps for violating PECA 2016 standards

The plea names the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Ministry of Law, Cabinet Division, and Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication as respondents.

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