PHC seeks response on FIR registered under Peca

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday issued notices to the federal government and relevant authorities, seeking their response on a petition challenging the registration of an FIR against a local lawyer under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Abdul Fayyaz heard the case. During the proceedings, Justice Ali questioned how the police could register a case under Peca, stating that such matters fell under the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) jurisdiction. “How can a Station House Officer (SHO) register such a case?” he asked.

The petitioner, Advocate Roman Shah, appeared before the court. Justice Arshad Ali inquired why the FIR was lodged against him, to which Shah replied that he had been booked under Peca but was unaware of the specifics. Justice Fayyaz also noted, “Peca falls under the FIA’s domain-how did the SHO register the FIR?”

Shah informed the court that he had obtained interim bail. The assistant attorney general stated that the petitioner had allegedly posted content on social media against a senior security official. Justice Arshad Ali questioned Shah, “Why do you share such things that create problems?” Shah denied the allegations, claiming the account was fake. “These days, fake accounts are created with people’s pictures. This is not my account, and I have no knowledge of this post,” he said.

The bench issued notices to the federal government and other parties, seeking their responses in the case.