The Senate has passed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), sparking nationwide protests from journalists and opposition parties. The contentious bill, aimed at combating “fake news,” has been widely criticized as a threat to freedom of expression. Media bodies and activists warn it could further restrict press freedoms in Pakistan.
What the Peca Amendment Proposes
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces Section 26(A), penalizing the spread of “fake news.” The amendment targets individuals who intentionally disseminate false information likely to cause fear, panic, or unrest. Offenders may face up to three years in prison, a fine of Rs. 2 million, or both.
Additionally, the bill proposes the dissolution of the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing and the creation of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). A new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) will oversee social media platforms, with powers to block content deemed unlawful or harmful to Pakistan’s ideology.
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Media and Opposition Outcry
Journalists have condemned the amendments as an assault on press freedom. Protests erupted in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and other cities, with banners reading “Black law unacceptable” and participants wearing handcuffs to symbolize censorship.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has been at the forefront of the protests. PFUJ President Afzal Butt criticized the bill for violating fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. He demanded a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss objections. The PFUJ has vowed to hold daily protests until the law is repealed.
Opposition leaders, including PTI’s Shibli Faraz, accused the government of using the bill to target political opponents. Faraz argued that laws should protect citizens, not suppress them. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman also expressed concerns, stating that the legislative process lacked consultation and pledging to propose further amendments to address media concerns.
International and Domestic Criticism
Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have criticized the amendments. Amnesty warned that the changes would tighten government control over the digital landscape. The HRCP described the bill as a tool to target journalists, human rights defenders, and dissidents.
Senior journalists have echoed these concerns. Mazhar Abbas, speaking at a protest in Karachi, stated that digital media has been under attack since Peca’s introduction in 2016. He emphasized that the amendments threaten the right to report news and hold authorities accountable.
Broader Legislative Changes
The Senate also passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024, aiming to digitize governance and create a centralized system for citizen data. While proponents claim it will modernize Pakistan, critics argue it lacks safeguards for human rights and privacy.
Growing Resistance
Journalists have pledged to continue their fight against the Peca amendments. PFUJ leaders warned the government of escalated protests, including boycotts of assemblies and street demonstrations. Legal challenges to the amendments are also being considered, with hope that courts will uphold constitutional protections for freedom of expression.
The backlash against the Peca amendments signals growing resistance to restrictive policies, with journalists, activists, and political leaders united in their demand for accountability and freedom.
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