Latest news with #PECAAct
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC questions FIR in PECA case
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued notices to the federal government and other relevant authorities, seeking a response regarding the registration of an FIR against a local lawyer under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Abdul Fayyaz heard the case. During the proceedings, Justice Syed Arshad Ali questioned the legal basis of the FIR, remarking, "How can the police register a case under the PECA Act when it falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)? How can an SHO file such a case?" The petitioner, Advocate Roman Shah, appeared before the court. Justice Arshad Ali asked him why the FIR had been registered. Shah responded that he was unaware of the specific allegations and only knew that it had been filed under PECA. Justice Abdul Fayyaz noted, "The PECA Act falls within FIA's domain. How did the SHO register the FIR?" Justice Arshad Ali further added, "If the matter is within FIA's jurisdiction, then the SHO has no authority to register such a case." The petitioner informed the court that he had already secured interim bail. The Assistant Attorney General told the bench that the FIR was based on a social media post made from the petitioner's account, allegedly targeting a senior official of a security agency. Justice Arshad Ali questioned the petitioner's actions, asking, "Why do you share such content that creates problems?" In response, Advocate Roman Shah denied ownership of the account, stating, "This is not my account. Nowadays, fake accounts are created using other people's photos. I have no knowledge of this post." Following the hearing, the court issued notices to the federal government and other respondents, directing them to submit their replies.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Express Tribune
Lawyers booked for viral traffic row
Cantt police have registered a case against some lawyers for hurling threats at traffic policemen, making a video of the clash over impounding a motorcycle and making it viral on social media. The case was registered under the PECA Act and other offences. The Rawalpindi legal fraternity protested the registration of a case and demanded its quick withdrawal. Inspector Wajid of the City Traffic Police complained that he was on duty with his team when a video was circulated on Facebook by Advocate Chaudhry Rizwan Elahi. The incident took place on Saturday on Haider Road, where a motorcyclist was stopped for not wearing a helmet and for the absence of a front number plate. The rider, identified as Malik Tajammul, was issued a challan (ticket), and his motorcycle was impounded due to a lack of documents. The motorcyclist introduced himself as a lawyer and called around 15 fellow lawyers to the scene, who allegedly hurled serious threats. Other policemen present helped defuse the situation. However, Advocate Rizwan Elahi later posted the video on his Facebook account, allegedly to defame the police. The complaint states that the video was intentionally made viral to incite public sentiment and malign the image and dignity of the police department. It further alleges that threats were issued to uniformed officers and official work was obstructedacts considered criminal. The police confirmed that a case has been registered and investigations are underway. On the other hand, the lawyers strongly condemned the registration of a case, calling it fabricated. In a statement issued by Asad Mehmood Malik, the Secretary of the Rawalpindi Bar Association, the Association expressed strong condemnation of the City Traffic Police's "illegal, unconstitutional, and inappropriate behaviour" towards their esteemed member and former Joint Secretary, Advocate Malik Tajammul Awan. Despite the matter being resolved at the scene, the Bar Association strongly protested the "baseless and unlawful FIR" lodged against Advocates Elahi and Awan, demanding its immediate withdrawal. The Rawalpindi District Bar declared full solidarity with its members, asserting that the dignity and honour of the legal fraternity would never be compromised. If the case is not withdrawn within 24 hours, the Bar will announce its next course of strict action.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Rajab Butt granted interim bail
LAHORE: A session court on Thursday granted interim bail to a social media activist Rajab Butt in a case under the PECA Act and Section 295-A till June 21. The court also directed the police to produce the case record on next hearing. The case was registered at Nishtar colony police station after his 295-perfume launch which sparked huge controversy on the social media. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Policy for installing more than one electricity meter unchanged, says Power Division amid social media reports
The Power Division on Sunday said the news circulating on social media regarding a 'ban on installing two electricity meters' was completely false, misleading, and 'a malicious attempt to create unrest among the public'. 'It is clarified that a second electricity meter can still be obtained for any residential property under the prevailing laws. According to the NEPRA Consumer Services Manual 2021, any residential unit that consists of a separate portion, separate circuit, separate entrance, and separate kitchen is eligible for the installation of an additional meter,' spokesperson of the Power Division said in a statement. 'Spreading and sharing such false news is a punishable offense under the PECA Act,' it added. However, laws to prevent the misuse of electricity and the wrongful benefit of subsidies had existed before and were still fully in effect, the spokesperson clarified. The Power Division requested the public not to pay attention to such false reports and to cooperate with electricity distribution companies for the proper and transparent use of electricity meters, so that 'the rightful recipients receive their due in a timely and fair manner'.
Business Recorder
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Policy for second electricity meter unchanged, says Power Division amid social media reports
The Power Division on Sunday said the news circulating on social media regarding a 'ban on installing two electricity meters' was completely false, misleading, and 'a malicious attempt to create unrest among the public'. 'It is clarified that a second electricity meter can still be obtained for any residential property under the prevailing laws. According to the NEPRA Consumer Services Manual 2021, any residential unit that consists of a separate portion, separate circuit, separate entrance, and separate kitchen is eligible for the installation of an additional meter,' spokesperson of the Power Division said in a statement. 'Spreading and sharing such false news is a punishable offense under the PECA Act,' it added. However, laws to prevent the misuse of electricity and the wrongful benefit of subsidies had existed before and were still fully in effect, the spokesperson clarified. The Power Division requested the public not to pay attention to such false reports and to cooperate with electricity distribution companies for the proper and transparent use of electricity meters, so that 'the rightful recipients receive their due in a timely and fair manner'.
