Islamabad; February 21, 2022: The daily The News International reported as Top Story that the President signed an ordinance making changes in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, (PECA) 2016. It ignited a heated debate in the media about the consequences of the government move.
The new law is Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022.
This Ordinance broadens the definition of ‘person’, the ‘aggrieved person’, requires the trial court to conclude the case within six months, etc.
The implied and possible consequences of this Ordinance were brought forth by media, HR and other organizations by this ad in press.
The daily Dawn of February 23, 2022 published the follow-up on its front page lead story with the headlines; “Cyber law changes assaulted in high courts.
Lawyers’ bodies come down hard on govt, vow to defend right to freedom of expression, media…”
It is learnt that on February 23 the IHC barred FIA from arresting accused under the contentious clause. IT minister sought rollback of the Amendment.
