Islamabad (Web Desk): A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court (SC), challenging the recent amendments made to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The petitioner, Muhammad Qayum Khan, maintained that these changes violate constitutional rights, particularly those related to freedom of expression.
He argues that the amendments are beyond the legislative authority and should be declared "ultra vires" by the court.
The plea calls for a thorough review of both the new changes and the original PECA law, pointing out that they pose a significant threat to citizens' fundamental freedoms.
The petition highlights the potential for these amendments to be used as a tool for suppressing dissent, with the risk of political opponents, journalists, and human rights advocates facing legal repercussions for their online activities.
It added that the law, in its expanded form, could pave the way for excessive state control over digital platforms, limiting the public's ability to share opinions and access information freely.
Under the revised PECA law, penalties for disseminating "false" information online have been made stricter, with individuals now facing up to three years in prison and fines as high as Rs2 million.
Meanwhile, the amendments establish new regulatory bodies, including the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which will have significant authority over online content and activities.
Opposition parties, civil rights organizations, and media groups have expressed strong disapproval of the law, arguing that it stifles free speech and places unnecessary restrictions on digital rights.
The petition calls on the top court to carefully review the legal changes and ensure that they are in line with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and access to information.
