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Petition against amendment in PECA act: IHC gives last chance to ministry of law others to file reply

Islamabad: During hearing of petition filed by PFUJ, Anchors and journalists organizations against amendment in controversial PECA act, Islamabad High Court (IHC) has given last chance to law ministry, ministry for information technology, FIA and PTA to file reply.

The court has remarked if reply is not filed even then hearing will be moved forward.

Justice Inam Amin Minhas heard the petitions by clubbing them Wednesday.

PFUJ Member FEC Mazhar Abbas, RIUJ general secretary, Asif Bashir Chaudhry, Anchor persons Amir Abbas and Adnan Haider, Islamabad High Court Journalists Association, Imran Shafiq advocate on behalf of the petitioners and other lawyers appeared before the court.

Justice Inam Amin Minhas said I think long time is needed in this case. This case be fixed after Eid.

Imran Shafiq advocate said federation has filed reply through interior ministry and information ministry. Ministry of law and justice and parliamentary affairs and PTA have not filed replies.

The federation while filing a strange reply has raised question over the jurisdiction power of this court. Federation has said only constitutional bench can hear this case after enforcement of 26th constitutional amendment. This court can hear this case unless high court constitutional bench is formed. This objection cannot be made in any way. The objection has been raised so that the matter could be prolonged. FIR are being registered against the people. Court should hear this case soon.

Justice Amin Minhas said is no news running. Is any one stopping from giving news or from publication.

Riasat Ali Azad advocate said you should give this stay order that no FIR will be lodged or arrest will be made of any journalist on giving news. Respondents are not filing reply and seeking time upon time from the court. If reply is not being filed on the order of court then this matter is between court and respondents. Court should impose fine of Rs 5 lac on them and give them opportunity to file reply.

Journalist Mazhar Abbas said an atmosphere of harassment has been created in media industry. FIA is summoning the journalists and harassing them. We want case is decided soon and police and FIA be restrained from harassing the journalists.

The counsel said what objection has been raised by the respondents they can raise. We want our petition be heard and reply from them be also obtained.

Anchor Person Adnan Haider said army fired missiles during Pakistan and India war and we have fought social media war. We are fourth pillar of state. Journalism has been made cognizable offence.

If I give weather news that there will be rain tomorrow and rain does not fall then PECA act will be applied to me.

Justice Inam Amin said you should tell that you are unable to give any news.

The counsel said respondents be directed to file reply and give copy of reply in advance to the petitioners before next hearing.

The court while giving last chance to the respondents to file reply adjourned hearing of the case till second week of July.