QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has summoned the attorney general to state the government’s position on a petition challenging recent changes to the cybercrime law.

The controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016 have resulted in severe criticism by journalists and rights organisations. The law has also been challenged in courts across Pakistan.

The petition in BHC was filed by the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ), Human Rights Commission and Balochistan Bar Council.

The BUJ president, Khalil Ahmed and bar council Vice Chairman Rahib Baledi appeared in the court.

A two-judge bench, including Acting Chief Justice Ejaz Ahmed Swati and Justice Amir Rana, held a hearing on Thursday.

The deputy attorney general requested the court for more time to submit a response.

The request prompted disapproval from the bench, which ordered the attorney general to appear at the next hearing.

The hearing was later adjourned for three weeks.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025