The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan has adjourned proceedings indefinitely in the defamation and Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) case involving singer Meesha Shafi and actor Ali Zafar. The development came during a hearing on Wednesday, when the court directed the federal government to submit its response promptly in accordance with its latest instructions.
According to 24NewsHD TV, a two-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the matter. During the proceedings, the judges addressed issues concerning legal representation and the constitutional validity of provisions under PECA 2016.
The court observed that the Additional Attorney General could not represent both the Federation and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in the same case. The observation highlighted the need to address the issue of representation as the proceedings move forward.
The bench also referred to a High Court ruling concerning Section 20 of PECA 2016. According to the court’s observations, the High Court had held that the provision was not inconsistent with Article 19 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech subject to constitutionally permitted restrictions.
Section 20 of PECA concerns offences involving the intentional public display or transmission of information that harms the reputation or privacy of a natural person. Its application has been the subject of legal debate, particularly regarding the relationship between protections against reputational harm and the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Meesha Shafi has challenged the legal basis of the FIA proceedings initiated against her. She has alleged that the case was launched with mala fide intent and has asked the court to examine the legality of the action taken against her.
As part of her petition, Shafi has requested that Section 20 of PECA be declared unconstitutional. She has also sought the dismissal of the proceedings against her, challenging the legal grounds on which the case was initiated.
The dispute involves important questions about the interpretation of cybercrime legislation, the limits of freedom of expression and the legal procedures followed by investigative authorities. Such matters can require courts to consider statutory provisions alongside constitutional protections and earlier judicial decisions.
The court’s direction for the Federation to submit its response is a key procedural development. The government’s position may help clarify the issues requiring further consideration when the matter returns before the court.
However, the indefinite adjournment means that no new hearing date was announced in the information reported by 24NewsHD TV. The case therefore remains subject to further judicial proceedings, and the final outcome will depend on the arguments, legal submissions and decisions made by the court.
The latest development keeps the legal dispute involving Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar in focus, particularly because of its connection to PECA and the constitutional debate surrounding freedom of speech in Pakistan. Until the court reaches a final decision, the legal questions raised in the petition remain unresolved.