Journalist files case against PECA Amendments in Lahore High Court

The formal passage into law of amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) has been challenged in the Lahore High Court by a Pakistani journalist, arguing that the amendments are a threat to the “constitutional right to free speech”.

The legal challenge filed by Jafar Bin Yar – and which includes the government, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other parties as respondents – asserted that the PECA Amendments Bill 2025 had been introduced  in and passed by the National Assembly without key stakeholders, such as civil society organisations and journalists, being consulted.

Mr. Bin Yar’s legal petition requested the nullification of the newly passed PECA Amendment Act, and that any actions taken post-passage be suspended until a final decision in his petition has been issued.