Islamabad, January 28, 2025: Despite criticism from journalists, human rights organizations, and opposition parties, the Senate on Tuesday passed the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill 2025 and the Digital Nation Bill 2025.
The bills, presented by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on behalf of the Interior Minister, sparked heated debate. The Interior Minister, currently on an official visit to the United States, was not present during the proceedings.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a coalition ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, supported the bills, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vehemently opposed them.
PTI senators protested by gathering around Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir’s dais, chanting slogans against the PECA bill and tearing copies of the legislation. Journalists also registered their dissent, staging a walkout from the Press Gallery.
The bills will now be sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for assent, after which they will become law.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer clarified that the PECA Amendment Bill was not intended to regulate television or print media but was focused solely on digital and social media platforms. He noted that PTI’s Shibli Faraz had “nearly accepted” the bill during earlier discussions.
In response, Shibli Faraz argued that while legislation is the prerogative of the government, laws should not be passed in haste. “If this law truly served the public’s interest, it would not face such strong opposition. It should have undergone thorough debate,” he added.
A day before the session, the Senate Standing Committee chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem approved the amended PECA bill. However, journalist organizations raised objections to several provisions, citing concerns about freedom of speech and potential misuse of the law.
While some journalists acknowledged the issue of fake news, they opposed clauses that they claimed were overly restrictive. In response, the committee head criticized them for failing to present their concerns in writing.
Key features of the PECA Amendment Bill
The PECA Amendment Bill 2025 introduces several significant changes, including:
- Establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA):
- Tasked with regulating online content and ensuring users’ digital rights.
- Empowered to remove unlawful or obscene content, block prohibited material, and take action against offenders.
- Responsible for promoting digital literacy and ensuring online safety.
- Social media platforms operating in Pakistan will be required to register with the DRPA and comply with its guidelines.
- New Penalties for Disinformation:
- Spreading false information online can result in up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 2 million.
- Social Media Protection Tribunal:
- A dedicated tribunal to handle cases related to online content, with a mandate to resolve cases within 90 days.
- Creation of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency:
- A new body to investigate cybercrimes and enforce digital laws.
PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar labeled the PECA Amendment Bill a “draconian law,” vowing not to accept it. He warned of its potential misuse and its threat to civil liberties. Senator Irfan Siddiqui also criticized the law, citing personal experiences of being falsely implicated under similar legislation. Senator Kamran Murtaza of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) (JUI-F) opposed the bill, arguing that it undermines freedoms and lacks transparency.
