The Peshawar High Court on Wednesday directed the federal government to respond within a month to a petition challenging the recent amendments to the cybercrime law, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2025.
A two-member bench, including Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Qazi Jawad Ehsanullah, heard the petition filed by social media activist Anil Masih. He argued that the amended law violates basic rights protected by the Constitution.
Anil Masih asked the court to strike down Section 26(A) of the law, which targets false and fake information. He said the section is vague and allows authorities to misuse it to limit free speech, invade privacy, and deny fair trial rights. He also urged the court to stop police from filing new cases under the law until it gives a final decision.
Advocate Nouman Muhib Kakakhel, who represented the petitioner, told the court that Parliament passed the amendments in January 2025 without proper debate or consultation with journalists and civil society. He argued that the changes impose strict limits on freedom of expression and hand too much power to government bodies. He warned that officials could use the law to silence critics, target social media users, and restrict independent journalism.
The petition also challenged the creation of new bodies under the law, including the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority and the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency. The lawyer said these bodies hold unchecked powers and operate without court supervision.
The court issued notices to several federal and provincial departments, including the ministries of law, interior, and information, as well as the FIA, PTA, PEMRA, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Human rights groups and journalist organizations have also criticized the amended law. They believe it could allow the government to block online content, arrest critics, and limit press freedom.
