Justice Farooq Haider of the Lahore High Court heard journalist Jafar Ban Yar’s petition, which named the Election Commission of Pakistan, PTA, and others as respondents.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that parliament bypassed standard procedures to hastily approve the PECA Amendment Act 2025. He contended that the controversial law has previously been used as a tool for suppression, and introducing new penalties would further erode the already limited freedom in the country. The bill, he claimed, was passed without consulting relevant stakeholders and journalist organizations.
The petition asserted that the amendment severely undermines the constitutional right to freedom of expression. The petitioner urged the court to declare the PECA law unconstitutional and nullify it, while also making actions taken under the amended law subject to the court’s final ruling.
However, the court dismissed the request for an immediate stay on certain provisions of the PECA Amendment Act 2025, stating that it would first hear arguments from all parties before making a decision.
Justice Farooq Haider has sought responses from all respondents within three weeks.
