ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court has directed the federal government to submit a fresh response in a legal dispute involving singer Misha Shafi and actor-singer Ali Zafar.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice K.K. Agha heard Shafi’s petition challenging proceedings initiated against her under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
A case was registered against Misha Shafi under Section 20 of PECA in connection with alleged defamation on social media.
During the hearing, the court observed that the Additional Attorney General could not represent both the federal government and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) simultaneously.
The court therefore directed the federal government to obtain fresh instructions and submit a new response. Further proceedings on the petition were adjourned for an indefinite period.
Misha Shafi’s Challenge to PECA Section 20
Misha Shafi has challenged the constitutional validity of Section 20 of PECA 2016, seeking to have the provision declared invalid and the criminal case registered against her dismissed.
She argued that the FIA proceedings against her were initiated contrary to legal requirements and alleged that the action was motivated by mala fide intentions.
The latest court proceedings concern Shafi’s challenge to the legal basis of the case and do not constitute a final ruling on the allegations or the underlying dispute between the two artists.