Meesha Shafi, Ali Zafar PECA Case Adjourned by Constitutional Court

On Wednesday, the Federal Constitutional Court adjourned the case about Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar for an indeterminate period. The case is about the defame allegations and proceeding under the prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA).

The case was heard by a two-member bench led by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, and directed the Federation to file its reply promptly as instructed by the court.

While hearing the case, the court observed that the Additional Attorney General was not permitted to represent the Federation and the FIA in the same matter.

The court also referred to a High Court ruling that found Section 20 of PECA 2016 consistent with Article 19 of the Constitution. Article 19 protects freedom of speech, subject to certain constitutional restrictions.

Meesha Shafi has challenged the FIA proceedings, claiming that the case was initiated with mala fide intent. She has asked the court to declare Section 20 of PECA unconstitutional and dismiss the proceedings against her.

The court is yet to decide when the case will be heard again.