Government establishes special courts for PECA Act trials in Islamabad

The federal government has set up special courts in Islamabad to conduct trials under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The Ministry of Law and Justice issued an SRO to formalize the establishment of these courts.

According to the SRO, the special courts were formed after consultation with the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court. The new courts will empower Additional District and Sessions Judges, as well as Civil Judges from East and West Islamabad, to conduct trials under the PECA Act.

The trial of PTI Information Secretary Ruf Hasan and other individuals is expected to take place in these newly established courts, sources said. This move follows a directive issued on June 6 by Justice Babar Sattar, who had asked the federal government to address the non-establishment of PECA courts.

In other provinces, judges for PECA trials will be nominated in consultation with the Chief Justices of the respective High Courts.