Federal Minister Atta Tarar Announces PICA Amendment Bill Becomes Law, Allows Appeals in Higher Courts

Federal Minister for Information, Atta Tarar, has confirmed that the PICA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) Amendment Bill has now become law. Under the new law, decisions made by the PICA tribunal can be challenged in the High Court and Supreme Court.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Atta Tarar explained that the amended law now includes a tribunal where a journalist and an IT professional will be part of the panel. These members will be from the private sector, and each will be associated with a journalistic organization.

Addressing concerns regarding appeals against the tribunal’s decisions, he drew a parallel to the Federal Service Tribunal, where the level of judges is equivalent to that of High Court judges, and their decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court. Similarly, decisions made by the PICA tribunal can be challenged in the High Court, and further appealed to the Supreme Court.

Tarar further stated that PICA tribunals are required to issue verbal orders within 24 hours, which can then be contested in the High Court and appealed in the Supreme Court.

He also mentioned that the rules for the implementation of this law are yet to be developed and will undergo consultations. While there is room for improvement, he believes that the law, which aims to curb hate speech and abusive content on social media, is a step in the right direction. He emphasized that this law will be effective in controlling the threats posed by social media, including the spread of unrest and the pollution of society through harmful online content.

He urged all journalistic organizations to support the law, noting that it will help protect the public from the growing dangers associated with social media.