The federal government has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concern of electronic crimes by constituting special courts to hear cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). These courts, which will be presided over by additional district and sessions judges as well as civil judges, have been granted the authority to conduct trials related to PECA. The primary objective of these special courts is to provide a dedicated platform for the expeditious disposal of cases pertaining to electronic crimes, which have been on the rise in recent years.
The PECA law, which was enacted in 2016, prohibits various forms of electronic crimes, including the unauthorized copying or transfer of data, unsolicited messages, hate speech, online criticism of the country, its courts, religion, and armed forces. The law aims to safeguard the integrity and security of electronic communication, data, and systems, and to prevent the misuse of digital technologies. With the establishment of these special courts, the government seeks to ensure that cases related to PECA are dealt with efficiently and effectively, and that perpetrators of electronic crimes are brought to justice.
The special courts will hear a range of cases, including those involving Raoof Hasan, the information secretary of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who was recently arrested by Islamabad Police and handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for alleged violations of PECA. The establishment of these courts demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling electronic crimes and ensuring the safety and security of digital spaces in the country.
