February 11, 2025 – The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought the assistance of the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan regarding a petition filed by various journalists’ bodies. The petition challenges the recent amendments made to the country’s cybercrime laws, particularly those introduced under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (PECA), 2025.
The recent changes to PECA have been a source of controversy since their passage in Parliament last month. Among the key provisions of the amended law are harsher penalties for those found guilty of spreading what the government deems to be “fake news,” as well as an expansion of the state’s oversight powers over digital platforms. Additionally, the amendments introduce new regulatory bodies that would monitor social media activity, further centralizing control over online content.
Journalist groups have vehemently criticized the amendments, calling them a direct “attack on freedom of expression.” The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), which is behind the petition, argues that the amendments impose unwarranted restrictions on press freedom and jeopardize the safety and independence of journalists in the country. These concerns have also been echoed by international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, as well as digital rights activists and the European Union.
The controversy surrounding PECA’s amendments is not limited to journalists alone. The opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also strongly opposed the legislation, accusing the government of rushing its passage in Parliament without adequate debate or consideration of its potential ramifications. PTI and other critics argue that the amendments give the government unchecked powers to control and censor digital content, which could lead to the suppression of dissent and critical reporting.
In Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas of the IHC took up the petition, which was filed last week by a faction of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). The court directed AGP Mansoor Usman Awan to assist in understanding the legal implications of the amendments and their potential impact on media freedom in the country. The IHC’s decision to involve the AGP indicates the gravity of the issue, as the court seeks a comprehensive review of the legal and constitutional concerns raised by the petitioners.
The petition contends that the amended PECA law undermines Pakistan’s commitment to upholding international standards of human rights and media freedom. By introducing broad definitions of “fake news” and providing the government with sweeping powers to regulate online content, the petitioners argue that the amendments threaten to silence critical voices and create a chilling effect on free speech.
As the legal challenge unfolds, the outcome of the petition could have significant implications for the future of digital media in Pakistan. If the IHC finds that the amendments violate constitutional protections for free expression, it could lead to a reexamination or repeal of the controversial provisions. Journalists, human rights groups, and digital rights activists will be closely watching the case, as the ruling could shape the landscape of media freedom and digital rights in Pakistan for years to come.
The IHC has scheduled further hearings to consider the matter, and it is expected that the AGP’s response will provide key insights into the government’s position on the changes to the PECA law. The case continues to be a focal point of debate regarding the balance between national security concerns and the protection of fundamental rights in the digital age.