The Lahore High Court has sought response from the federal government and other parties on a petition against the amendment to the PECA Act.
Justice Farooq Haider heard the petition of a journalist organization against the amendment to the PECA Act. The petition took the position that through the amendment to the PECA Act, fake information will be punished with 3 years of imprisonment and a fine. In the past, PECA has been used as a silent weapon. The addition of new penalties in the PECA Amendment Act will also eliminate the little freedom left in the country.
According to the petitioner, the PECA Bill was brought without consulting the relevant stakeholders and journalist organizations. The approval of the PECA Amendment Bill will severely affect the freedom of expression given in the Constitution. The PECA Amendment Act conflicts with the protection of freedom of expression given in the Constitution. The court is requested to declare the PECA Amendment Act null and void and make the actions taken under it subject to the final decision of the petition.
The court sought a response from the federal government and other parties on the petition.
