IHC Acting Chief Justice Takes Up Petition Against PECA Amendments”

On February 17, 2025, Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, the newly appointed acting Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), presided over a petition challenging recent amendments to Pakistans cybercrime laws. This petition, filed by the IHC Journalists Association (IHCJA), contests the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (Peca) 2025, which introduces stricter penalties for fake news expands state oversight of digital platforms, and establishes new regulatory bodies for social media monitoring. Justice Dogar ordered the consolidation of this petition with other similar cases and transferred them to Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas for further proceedings. The amendments have faced significant opposition from journalists, opposition parties, and international organizations, who view them as an infringement on freedom of expression.