Balochistan police book several individuals under Peca

KARACHI: Balochistan police have registered a case under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) against several journalists, a real estate industry leader, and a former police officer, accusing them of running a “media campaign” against a provincial minister.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Berot Police Station in district Hub, the complaint was filed by the attorney and manager of the Balochistan minister.

The FIR names several journalists, a leaders of association of builders and developers, a former SSP, and several others.

The FIR alleges that the accused individuals used a YouTube program to conduct a “malicious media campaign” against a sitting public representative, which the complainant claimed constitutes a “serious criminal offence” under Peca.

Karachi Bar Association leader Amir Haseeb Panhwar said, “Under the Peca, only the FIA Cyber Crime Wing can initiate proceedings. The registration of such cases by the police is in violation of the law and the Constitution,” and announced full legal support to the journalists.