Manan Mandokhail:
QUETTA: The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ), Balochistan Bar Council, and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Balochistan have challenged the PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) Amendment Act 2025 in the Balochistan High Court.
A constitutional petition has been filed, making the federal government and other relevant authorities respondents in the case. The petition calls for the controversial PECA Act to be annulled, arguing that it violates fundamental constitutional rights.
During the filing of the petition, BUJ President Khalil Ahmed, Balochistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Rahib Khan Buledi, and HRCP Balochistan Vice Chairperson Kashif Kakar Panezai were present, along with a large number of senior journalists.
Speaking to the media, Rahib Khan Buledi stated that the PECA Act is against human rights and an attempt to suppress journalists’ voices. He strongly condemned the amendments, asserting that they undermine the core principles of democracy and freedom of expression.
BUJ President Khalil Ahmed criticized the ruling parties, saying, the blind and deaf parliament passed the PECA Act. We did not expect such unconstitutional measures from the PML-N and PPP.†He further accused both parties of violating democratic traditions and expressed hope that the judiciary would ensure justice by striking down the PECA Act.
The petitioners emphasized that freedom of speech is a fundamental right and urged the judiciary to uphold democratic values by repealing the law.
