In a move that has ignited nationwide protests, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, despite widespread opposition from media organizations, journalists, and human rights groups.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, came just 24 hours after the Senate approved the modifications, raising serious concerns about press freedom and digital rights in Pakistan. Critics argue that the new cybercrime laws could be used to suppress free speech and silence dissenting voices, particularly in the digital space.
What’s Changing in PECA 2025?
The newly amended PECA 2025 introduces Section 26(A), which enforces severe penalties for spreading “fake news” online. According to the updated legislation:
- Individuals found guilty of sharing, transmitting, or displaying false information that could cause fear, panic, or social instability may face up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs. 2 million (or both).
- The law applies to all digital platforms, including social media, websites, and online news portals.
- Authorities now have broader powers to investigate and take action against alleged cyber offenses, leading to concerns about misuse and overreach.
These amendments, while presented as a measure to combat misinformation, have been widely criticized as an attempt to stifle independent journalism and curb freedom of expression in the country.
Journalists and Media Organizations Condemn the Law
The approval of PECA 2025 has drawn immediate backlash from Pakistan’s journalist community, who see the move as an attack on press freedom. Media watchdogs and journalist unions have strongly opposed the bill, warning that it could be used to target investigative reporting and silence criticism of the government.
Prominent media organizations such as the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) have rejected the amendments, calling them a direct threat to independent journalism.
Political Opposition and Human Rights Concerns
The opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has condemned the rapid approval of the bill, accusing the government of pushing through restrictive laws without debate. Meanwhile, the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has faced accusations of double standards, as it initially supported the legislation but later suggested possible revisions to address concerns.
Several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), have also voiced strong opposition to the amendments. Digital rights activists argue that the law could be weaponized against political opponents, journalists, and social media users who criticize the government.
Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Digital Censorship
Following the announcement, protests have erupted across major cities in Pakistan, with journalists, activists, and civil society groups taking to the streets to demand the reversal of the amendments. Protesters argue that the law:
- Restricts online freedom and criminalizes dissent
- Increases state control over digital platforms
- Allows authorities to arbitrarily target individuals for expressing opinions
- Threatens democracy by silencing political opposition
Social media platforms have also been flooded with hashtags opposing PECA 2025, with thousands of users expressing their concerns over digital censorship.
Other Controversial Bills Signed by the President
Alongside the PECA amendments, President Zardari has also approved two other controversial bills:
- Digital Nation Pakistan Bill – Aims to regulate online content and increase government oversight on digital platforms.
- National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill – Introduces new policies regarding women’s rights and protections.
While the National Commission on the Status of Women Bill has received mixed reactions, the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill has further intensified concerns about government control over online spaces.
What’s Next? Legal Challenges and Future Implications
Legal experts predict that PECA 2025 will face multiple court challenges, as activists and journalist organizations plan to challenge the law’s constitutionality. Many argue that the vague definition of “fake news” could be manipulated to target dissenting voices.
The future of digital rights and press freedom in Pakistan now hangs in the balance. If the government refuses to revise the law, it could lead to:
- More arrests of journalists and social media activists
- Increased government surveillance of online platforms
- Stronger international criticism and potential sanctions on Pakistan
A Battle for Free Speech in Pakistan
The approval of PECA 2025 marks a critical moment in Pakistan’s media landscape, with journalists, human rights activists, and opposition leaders united against the law. As nationwide protests grow, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider the amendments or risk further political unrest.
The coming weeks will determine whether Pakistan moves towards greater digital freedom or deeper censorship—a decision that will have lasting implications for free speech, democracy, and the future of journalism in the country.
