On January 23, 2025, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (PECA), aiming to address the challenges of cybercrime and the spread of misinformation. The legislation introduces several significant changes to the existing framework:

Key Provisions of the PECA Amendment Bill, 2025:

Criminalization of “Fake News”: The bill defines and penalizes the intentional dissemination of false information that could cause public fear, panic, or disorder. Offenders may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to PKR 2 million, or both. 

Establishment of Regulatory Bodies:

Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority: This newly formed authority is tasked with overseeing social media platforms, ensuring user rights, and regulating online content. It holds the power to block or remove material deemed harmful, offensive, or contrary to Pakistan's ideology. 

Social Media Complaints Council: A council designed to address grievances related to online content, aiming to resolve cases within 90 days. 

Mandatory Registration for Social Media Platforms: Platforms are now required to register with the government and adhere to specified conditions. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or bans. 

Prohibition on Broadcasting Expunged Parliamentary Proceedings: The bill restricts the broadcasting or streaming of parliamentary sessions that have been officially expunged. 

Establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency:

The bill proposes the creation of a National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, which will assume responsibilities previously held by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing. This new agency will focus on investigating illegal activities on social media and other online platforms. 

Public and Organizational Responses:

The introduction of the PECA Amendment Bill has sparked significant debate:

Support: Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to combat the proliferation of fake news and to regulate the misuse of social media, thereby maintaining public order. 

Opposition: Critics, including journalists, human rights organizations, and opposition parties, contend that the bill’s broad definitions and stringent penalties could suppress freedom of expression and be misused to target dissenting voices. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious concerns, suggesting that the legislation could become a tool for silencing political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. 

As the bill moves forward, it is essential to balance the objectives of combating cybercrime and misinformation with the protection of fundamental rights, ensuring that measures do not infringe upon freedom of expression or become instruments of censorship.

The PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) ordinance has significant implications for working journalists, both positive and negative. Here are the key impacts:

Chilling Effect on Freedom of Expression:

The ordinance criminalizes “fake news” and “defamation”, but vague definitions of these terms can create fear among journalists. Many may avoid reporting on sensitive topics or critical issues to prevent legal action or arrest.

Risk of Misuse for Political Targeting:

The ordinance has been criticized for potentially being used to silence dissent. Journalists reporting on government mismanagement or exposing corruption could face accusations of spreading “false information”, leading to harassment or intimidation.

Increased Surveillance:

The mandatory registration of social media platforms and stricter monitoring can lead to surveillance of journalists’ online activities. This raises concerns about breaches of privacy and could discourage investigative journalism.

Threat of Harsh Penalties:

Penalties, such as imprisonment or hefty fines for misinformation, add significant pressure on journalists. Mistakes, even unintentionally, could lead to severe consequences, stifling independent reporting.

Self-Censorship:

With the fear of retaliation, journalists might censor themselves, avoiding critical stories or investigative pieces that are crucial for public awareness.

Positive Impacts (Potential Benefits)

Addressing Misinformation:

The ordinance seeks to combat misinformation and fake news, which could help create a more credible and reliable information ecosystem. However, the success of this depends on its fair and unbiased implementation.

Legal Framework for Cybercrime:

The ordinance provides a legal framework to address cyber harassment, online threats, and attacks on journalists. If implemented impartially, it could enhance the safety of journalists in the digital space.

Overall Concerns

Journalists and media organizations argue that the ordinance’s vague language and harsh penalties can undermine press freedom. There is a growing demand for amendments to ensure that the law is not used as a tool for censorship or repression. Journalists are advocating for clearer definitions and safeguards to protect freedom of expression while addressing legitimate concerns about misinformation and cybercrime.

This debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that promotes accountability without eroding journalists’ rights to report freely and fearlessly.

Zaheer Alam,

President of All Pakistan Journalists Association

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PECA Amendment Bill and its Negative Impacts on Journalists

On January 23, 2025, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (PECA), aiming to address the challenges of cybercrime and the spread of misinformation. The legislation introduces several significant changes to the existing framework:

Key Provisions of the PECA Amendment Bill, 2025:

Criminalization of “Fake News”: The bill defines and penalizes the intentional dissemination of false information that could cause public fear, panic, or disorder. Offenders may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to PKR 2 million, or both. 

Establishment of Regulatory Bodies:

Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority: This newly formed authority is tasked with overseeing social media platforms, ensuring user rights, and regulating online content. It holds the power to block or remove material deemed harmful, offensive, or contrary to Pakistan's ideology. 

Social Media Complaints Council: A council designed to address grievances related to online content, aiming to resolve cases within 90 days. 

Mandatory Registration for Social Media Platforms: Platforms are now required to register with the government and adhere to specified conditions. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or bans. 

Prohibition on Broadcasting Expunged Parliamentary Proceedings: The bill restricts the broadcasting or streaming of parliamentary sessions that have been officially expunged. 

Establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency:

The bill proposes the creation of a National Cybercrime Investigation Agency, which will assume responsibilities previously held by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing. This new agency will focus on investigating illegal activities on social media and other online platforms. 

Public and Organizational Responses:

The introduction of the PECA Amendment Bill has sparked significant debate:

Support: Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to combat the proliferation of fake news and to regulate the misuse of social media, thereby maintaining public order. 

Opposition: Critics, including journalists, human rights organizations, and opposition parties, contend that the bill’s broad definitions and stringent penalties could suppress freedom of expression and be misused to target dissenting voices. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious concerns, suggesting that the legislation could become a tool for silencing political activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. 

As the bill moves forward, it is essential to balance the objectives of combating cybercrime and misinformation with the protection of fundamental rights, ensuring that measures do not infringe upon freedom of expression or become instruments of censorship.

The PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) ordinance has significant implications for working journalists, both positive and negative. Here are the key impacts:

Chilling Effect on Freedom of Expression:

The ordinance criminalizes “fake news” and “defamation”, but vague definitions of these terms can create fear among journalists. Many may avoid reporting on sensitive topics or critical issues to prevent legal action or arrest.

Risk of Misuse for Political Targeting:

The ordinance has been criticized for potentially being used to silence dissent. Journalists reporting on government mismanagement or exposing corruption could face accusations of spreading “false information”, leading to harassment or intimidation.

Increased Surveillance:

The mandatory registration of social media platforms and stricter monitoring can lead to surveillance of journalists’ online activities. This raises concerns about breaches of privacy and could discourage investigative journalism.

Threat of Harsh Penalties:

Penalties, such as imprisonment or hefty fines for misinformation, add significant pressure on journalists. Mistakes, even unintentionally, could lead to severe consequences, stifling independent reporting.

Self-Censorship:

With the fear of retaliation, journalists might censor themselves, avoiding critical stories or investigative pieces that are crucial for public awareness.

Positive Impacts (Potential Benefits)

Addressing Misinformation:

The ordinance seeks to combat misinformation and fake news, which could help create a more credible and reliable information ecosystem. However, the success of this depends on its fair and unbiased implementation.

Legal Framework for Cybercrime:

The ordinance provides a legal framework to address cyber harassment, online threats, and attacks on journalists. If implemented impartially, it could enhance the safety of journalists in the digital space.

Overall Concerns

Journalists and media organizations argue that the ordinance’s vague language and harsh penalties can undermine press freedom. There is a growing demand for amendments to ensure that the law is not used as a tool for censorship or repression. Journalists are advocating for clearer definitions and safeguards to protect freedom of expression while addressing legitimate concerns about misinformation and cybercrime.

This debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that promotes accountability without eroding journalists’ rights to report freely and fearlessly.

Zaheer Alam,

President of All Pakistan Journalists Association