Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) not to make any arrests under Section 20 of the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act Ordinance recently promulgated by the government.
The court issued notice to the government, with IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarking that defamation laws for public representatives should not exist in the first place.
The ruling was issued on Wednesday morning during hearing of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)'s petition against the new ordinance.
The court said that the FIA has already submitted SOPs [about potential action], and that no arrest should take place under Section 20 of the ordinance. Justice Minallah said that if the SOPs are not followed, DG FIA and Interior Secretary will be held responsible.
Justice Athar Minallah remarked that defamation laws have been removed from criminal law 'even in Zimbabwe and Uganda'. PFUJ lawyer Adil Aziz said that public representatives should not shy away from criticism.
The hearing was later adjourned till tomorrow (Thursday).
The court issued notice to the government, with IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarking that defamation laws for public representatives should not exist in the first place.
The ruling was issued on Wednesday morning during hearing of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)'s petition against the new ordinance.
The court said that the FIA has already submitted SOPs [about potential action], and that no arrest should take place under Section 20 of the ordinance. Justice Minallah said that if the SOPs are not followed, DG FIA and Interior Secretary will be held responsible.
Justice Athar Minallah remarked that defamation laws have been removed from criminal law 'even in Zimbabwe and Uganda'. PFUJ lawyer Adil Aziz said that public representatives should not shy away from criticism.
The hearing was later adjourned till tomorrow (Thursday).