ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Athar Minallah of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) said on Wednesday that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, is being used to restrict freedom of expression in Pakistan.
The chief justice stated at a hearing on a case submitted by Nasir Zaidi, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), that Section 6 of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act is in violation of Pakistan’s Constitution’s fundamental rights.
According to CJ Minallah, the provisions of Section 6 of the abovementioned act provide the state the authority to punish journalists. He worried how journalists would be able to convey news in Pakistan, where a lot happens after cases are registered. Photographers, cameramen, producers, and editors are all included in the definition of journalist, he said.
According to the chief justice, the Ministry of Human Rights would guarantee that the terms of the act do not violate Pakistan’s Constitution. According to him, the act must be reviewed in light of Articles 19 and 19A.
Access to information and freedom of criticism, he claims, ensures that public officials are held accountable. The Ministry of Human Rights’ spokesperson stated that they would investigate the petitioner’s concerns and figure out a solution, adding that if required, an amendment would be introduced in parliament.
PFUJ’s allegation about the misuse of legislation, according to CJ Minallah, was not unwarranted. Following that, the court issued notices to the Ministry of Human Rights, requesting a response within a month. It also required the government to demonstrate via its actions that freedom of expression is unrestricted in the country.
