July 25, 2024
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
The Ministry of Law and Justice issued an SRO on Wednesday, July 24, for the establishment of special courts for the trial of digital terrorism under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), designating the courts of additional district and sessions judges and civil judges-cum-magistrates of civil districts and sessions divisions in Islamabad to address offences that fall under the jurisdiction of Peca.
Earlier on Monday, July 22, during a press briefing in Rawalpindi, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had mentioned the term “digital terrorism”, and added that digital terrorists were involved in the Bannu incident of July 19 to thwart the objectives of Azm-i-Istehkam Operation.
Speaking with Voicepk, advocate Abdul Moiz Jafferii said that it is mandatory to consult the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court to establish such special courts. “The term digital terrorism must be clearly defined under Peca.”
Jafferii also mentioned the negative effects of establishing these special courts. “It would increase the burden on competent judges and weaken the legal system.”
Senior member of the Pakistan Bar Council Amjad Shah told Voicepk that the establishment of these courts would expedite the trials of cybercrime cases.
However, regarding the DG ISPR’s news conference, Shah said, “The military should refrain from making statements on civil matters, as it makes everything controversial”.
According to the SRO issued by the Federal Ministry of Law and Justice, special courts have been formed in consultation with the chief justice of Islamabad High Court, and the additional district and sessions judges have been appointed.
According to barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon, the state should have formed special courts back in 2016 when the Peca law was enacted.
“There is nothing wrong with establishing new courts, but these courts should also start trying people on charges such as cybercrime or defamation, allowing the accused to present their case.”
He added that the purpose of these courts should not be victimization but their responsibility should be to prove the allegations.