SHC notifies the federal government of a petition against the PECA statute.

SHC CJ Justice Shafi Siddiqui presided over the hearing.

“What is wrong with this PECA law?” the judge asked the petitioner’s attorney during the hearing.

“Should there be no punishment for spreading false news?” the bench also asked.

“Not all decisions are made in courts; some fall under the jurisdiction of relevant authorities,” said Chief Justice Shafi Siddiqui of the Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice went on, “You also have the right to appeal against the decisions made by these authorities.”

He added that a constitutional bench should hear the matter if it concerns fundamental rights.

Later, the SHC demanded the federal government’s response to the request within two weeks of sending notice.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) had previously heard a challenge against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendments Bill, 2025.

According to specifics, the petitioner said in his argument that the PECA bill, which restricts people’s freedom of speech, was passed without consulting journalists’ unions or other interested parties.

According to the petition, the bill would carry harsh penalties, such as a fine and three years in prison.

The ‘controversial’ Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendments Act, 2025, was enforced across Pakistan, following assent from President Asif Ali Zardari.