Islamabad, January 29, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 (PECA) into law, endorsing measures aimed at curbing digital crimes. The move has sparked debate, with critics warning of potential threats to press freedom.
In addition to PECA, President Zardari approved the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025, a step toward enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure, and the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill 2025, which strengthens advocacy for women’s rights.
The PECA amendments passed both the National Assembly and Senate before reaching the President’s desk. However, the bill faced resistance from media bodies and political figures, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who voiced concerns over its implications.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), despite supporting the bill in Parliament, later expressed unease over the lack of consultation. PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman acknowledged that stakeholders, including journalists, were promised a say in the process, which “clearly did not happen.” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari echoed these concerns, arguing that media organizations should have been consulted for consensus.
In response, the Pakistan Federation of Union of Journalists (PFUJ) led a protest at the Karachi Press Club, joined by journalists, civil society groups, lawyers, and trade unions. Mazhar Abbas, a senior PFUJ member, criticized the government, warning that the same law could be used against its own supporters in the future.
Originally enacted in 2016, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) aims to combat cybercrimes such as hacking, data theft, and cyberbullying. The latest amendments introduce harsher penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs. 2 million for spreading disinformation.
A key provision is the creation of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will regulate social media platforms, investigate complaints, and remove unlawful content. Social media companies may also be required to register and appoint local representatives.
While supporters argue that these measures are necessary to tackle fake news and online hate speech, critics warn of potential misuse, censorship, and suppression of free expression.
