IHC restrained FIA from implementing the PECA amended law

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notice to the government not to make arrests under Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). 

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah hearing a petition filed by PFUJ against PECA Ordinance. 

Adil Aziz Qazi Advocate on behalf of PFUJ argued that the Senate session ended on February 17 and the National Assembly’s session was on February 18 but the session was adjourned only to bring this ordinance. 

Lawyer for the petitioner said that what were the circumstances under which the ordinance was hastily issued? 

The court remarked that FIA has already submitted SOPs, according to SOPs no arrest should be made on any complaint under section 20, if SOPs are not complied with then DG FIA and Home Secretary will be responsible 

The court issued notice to the Attorney General for assistance on the petition against the amendment through the Presidential Ordinance on the petition of PFUJ against the amendment in the PECA Act.

Chief Justice Islamabad High Court Justice Athar Minallah remarked that there should be no defamation law for a public representative. 

Justice Athar Minallah said that Zimbabwe and Uganda have also removed the defamation from the criminal law. 

Lawyer PFUJ Adil Aziz said that those who call themselves public representatives should not be afraid of criticism. 

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has adjourned the hearing till tomorrow on PFUJ’s petition against the amendment in the PECA Act.