Latest news with #PECA
Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- General
- Business Recorder
Challenging JIT under PECA: IHC dismisses PTI leader's plea
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC), Tuesday, dismissed Sheikh Waqas Akram's petition challenging the Joint Investigation Team (JIT)'s notice issued to him under Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. The JIT has summoned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader to investigate about the party's alleged social media campaign against the state institutions. The case was fixed before a single bench of Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas on Tuesday. The case was called twice, but neither Sheikh Waqas nor his counsel appeared before the Court, the judge; therefore, dismissed the petition for non-prosecution. The petition filed by PTI leader, Sheikh Waqas Akram, through Barrister Muhammad Umer Riaz challenging the JIT and the proceedings of PECA against him. The petitioner has challenged the JIT notification dated 26.07.2024 terming it illegal, unlawful, and in violation of Section 30 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and Schedule VII of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Investigation Rules, 2018. The petitioner contended that the impugned notification is illegal and unlawful, asking to appear before JIT, constituted under Section 30 of the Act of 2016 and Schedule VII the Rules, 2018. He submitted that Section 30 of the Act of 2016 provides certain conditions for formation of JIT to investigate the offence under the Act of 2016. He contended that this offence is neither defined nor covered under the notification dated 26.07.2024. He also stated that, as per the impugned notification, the Inspector General of Police of ICT, Islamabad, is heading the JIT, which is a complete violation of Section 2 of PECA 2016. The petitioner stated that Rule 16 is very clear that a time-frame for the offence ought to be mentioned in the notification, whereas, in this notification, no such thing is mentioned. He argued that, since the agency has already been established, there was no need to formulate a JIT, which is in violation of Section 29 of the PECA Act 2016. The JIT is investigating 16 individuals, including senior PTI leaders, for their alleged involvement in negative propaganda on social media. Meanwhile, a single bench of IHC Justice Muhammad Asif issued notices to the authorities in a petition seeking quashment of an FIR registered against former JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmed and his wife Humaira Tayyaba for allegedly violating Section 144 during the Gaza protest. The bench directed all parties to submit their responses by today (Wednesday). Police detained the former senator, his wife and other demonstrators were arrested for participating in a protest held outside the Islamabad Press Club against the ongoing Israeli atrocities in Gaza, and the case was registered at Kohsar Police Station on May 30 as the protest was deemed a violation of Section 144. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan launches cybercrime helpline seeking swift action on complaints
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday launched a cybercrime helpline, 1799, that aims to ensure swift resolution of complaints, Pakistani state media reported. The development came during Naqvi's visit to the headquarters of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which was established earlier this year, the APP news agency reported. The minister toured various departments, including the helpline center, forensic lab and network security section, and appreciated the staff for their efforts to combat cybercrime. 'The helpline is now fully operational, and citizens can lodge cybercrime complaints by calling 1799,' the interior minister was quoted as saying. Pakistan transformed the Cybercrime Wing of its Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into an autonomous organization and named it the NCCIA in April. It followed the introduction of a new law to regulate social media content, with journalist groups and rights activists saying it was aimed at curbing press freedom and dissent on social media. Enacted in 2016 and further tightened with amendments this January, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was drafted with the stated aim to combat cybercrimes such as hacking, online harassment, and data breaches. Pakistani officials defended the PECA law, under which offenders can be handed prison sentences of up to three years and fines of Rs2 million ($7,200). Naqvi directed NCCIA officials to ensure quick resolution of all complaints, saying the agency was established to meet the demands of the modern digital era, according to the report. He emphasized the need for the use of advanced technology, software and hardware to fight cybercrime effectively and stressed the need to hire talented staff and equiping them with all necessary resources. The development came as authorities announced busting a child sexual abuse ring, allegedly run by a German national, in Azad Kashmir's capital of Muzaffarabad. 'A state-of-the-art facility was formed with modern cameras and over there, children from poor families were exploited by giving money first and then blackmailing,' State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said at a presser on Tuesday. 'Their videos were sold on the dark web.' The NCCIA busted the ring in a five-hour operation on May 23 and arrested two suspects, according to the minister. Ten kids were also found at the facility, of which six were sent to the Child Protection Bureau. 'The German man used to facilitate and sell this [content],' Chaudhry said, without disclosing the identity of the suspect. 'We are trying to reach him legally.' Child sexual abuse has been a widespread issue in Pakistan, where perpetrators are often family members, teachers or trusted people. Poverty, lack of education and societal attitudes contribute to the problem. While laws exist, their implementation remains a challenge. Various NGOs are also working to raise awareness about the issue and support survivors.
Mint
4 days ago
- Health
- Mint
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Experts say ‘vaping more dangerous than cigarettes,' blame ‘influencers for glamourising'
On World Tobacco Day, experts have underlined the rampant use of e-cigarettes and vapes, highlighting how sellers are promoting their use as a "luxury" and employing clever tactics to compel teenagers to buy these products. During a seminar organised against vapes, experts noted that despite the ban on these products under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, producers have found ways to circumvent the law and promote e-cigarettes and vapes. "Why is the industry using new tactics to attract our youth? Because the industry needs new users to consume these devices so that they can be turned into lifelong consumers," Avinash Sunthlia, Deputy Additional Director General (DADG), Health Ministry, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Read | Health ministry reports 350 violations of e-cigarette ban, black market thrives He added that they also market these devices as safer alternatives for smoking cessation, but it is actually about recruiting new users for a lifetime of dependence. "To spread awareness, we have issued comprehensive guidelines for schools, initiated capacity-building programmes for teachers, and are working closely with influencers and digital creators to speak up about the dangers of vaping," he said. Another expert asserted that consumption of vapes is more dangerous than cigarettes, as such devices can be used to consume hard drugs. "Based on my experience, several users have confessed to using vaping equipment for hard drug intake. What makes the threat more dangerous is the way these products are promoted. Manufacturers and sellers use tactics like influencer marketing on social media to glamourise these devices and target young users while avoiding direct accountability and prosecution," said Jaspal Singh, Special Commissioner of Police for Protective Security, Delhi. Also Read: India Inc adds health goals to appraisals Puducherry Secretary Padma Jaiswal further underlined that these devices are promoted as a "luxury" style, and most of the users affected by vapes are adolescents in schools and colleges. "Being a mother myself, I am aware that vaping is rampant, and the habit leaves a strong impact among adolescents and youth. They are attracted to these devices because they are promoted as a luxury, a style statement with the narrative that it is neither harmful nor punitive. Therefore, we need to raise awareness that these electronic devices are banned in India," she added.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
A tool of suppression
Listen to article Laws are meant to be scrutinised - especially when they begin to encroach upon the very freedoms they are supposed to protect. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's latest report on the PECA Act 2025 offers a much-needed critical lens on a law that has become a potent tool of suppression rather than protection. PECA, in its current form and through its iterations since 2016, has consistently empowered the state at the expense of individual liberties. Its criminalisation of vague categories such as "fake and false information" — punishable by up to three-year imprisonment — opens the door to arbitrary interpretation and misuse. Instead of combating genuine cybercrime, the law has increasingly been wielded to stifle dissent and as a muzzling tactic. This is not an isolated case. PECA is part of a growing pattern of repressive legal frameworks that aim to curtail civic spaces in Pakistan. Additionally, PECA introduces a regulatory authority, complaints council and tribunal — all operating under considerable executive influence. While oversight is necessary in any legal process, the concentration of power in a few hands raises concerns about fairness and impartiality. Such laws tend to erode the foundations of democracy by criminalising criticism and silencing voices. The HRCP's call for the law's repeal is both timely and necessary. It is a reminder that no law should be above public scrutiny — especially one that so deeply affects the fundamental rights of citizens. Rather than discarding the law altogether, a more balanced approach could involve revisiting and refining PECA. Clearer definitions and better oversight mechanisms would go a long way in aligning the law with its original intent. Constructive reform, grounded in consultation with civil society, may be the best way forward.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
No Tobacco Day: Experts warn of youth-targeted vaping ads using influencers and misleading claims
CHENNAI: Health experts, bureaucrats and social scientists have voiced grave concerns over the strategic marketing of vaping devices to school and college students through digital influencers, surrogate advertising, and misleading safety claims. Speaking at a seminar titled "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products", held in New Delhi on Thursday ahead of the World Health Organization's World No Tobacco Day 2025, experts highlighted the illegal promotion and increasing use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products (HTPs) among adolescents in India. This surge persists despite a nationwide ban under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019. Targeting Youth Through Gateway Devices The industry is reportedly exploiting social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to glamorise vaping as a trendy and safe lifestyle choice. According to individuals familiar with these tactics, covert promotional strategies—including the use of coded language like 'aroma sticks' and 'flavor drops'—along with influencer partnerships, are being used to bypass legal restrictions. As a result, online marketplaces and informal distribution networks continue to facilitate the sale of these products in defiance of the law, experts noted. Dr. Avinash Sunthlia, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health, outlined ongoing efforts to combat this trend. These include school awareness programs, influencer engagement, and the launch of an online reporting platform. He emphasized the growing number of cases involving the deliberate recruitment of new consumers through glamorized promotions. Special Commissioner of Police Jaspal Singh warned that vapes pose an even greater threat than cigarettes, citing their potential use for consuming hard drugs. He called for coordinated action among law enforcement, customs officials, transporters, and courier services to curb the illegal distribution of vaping products. Padma Jaiswal, a senior bureaucrat in the Government of Puducherry, applauded the civil initiative led by Mothers Against Vaping (MAV), the NGO that organized the seminar. She emphasized the need for greater public awareness, especially among parents and youth, about the legal status and health risks of vaping.
