The federal government has established special courts to handle cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016. This initiative follows consultations with Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and aims to address increasing concerns about digital terrorism and online anti-state propaganda.

On July 19, 2024, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued an order designating additional district and sessions judges, along with civil judges in Islamabad’s East and West districts, to preside over PECA cases. The new courts are part of a broader government strategy to streamline the adjudication process for offenses involving digital content.

The establishment of these courts was directed by IHC’s Justice Babar Sattar, who had previously questioned the lack of dedicated courts for PECA cases.

On May 9, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier approved a draft to amend PECA,2016 to better regulate social media and proposed the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DPRA) to oversee digital rights and internet regulations.  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee, led by Adviser Rana Sanaullah on May 20, to refine the draft and build consensus before cabinet approval. The revised draft of the DRPA is expected to be presented to the parliament soon for further discussion and approval and followed widespread criticism from political parties and digital rights activists regarding the initial draft submitted to the federal cabinet.