Senate Passes Controversial Cybercrime Amendments Amid Protests

The Bill, introduces Section 26(A) to Peca, which

seeks to penalize those responsible

for spreading “fake news” online

Web Desk

Islamabad: The Senate of Pakistan has passed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, sparking widespread protests from media bodies who fear the changes will be used against journalists.

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces Section 26(A) to Peca, which seeks to penalize those responsible for spreading “fake news” online. The bill proposes imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both for individuals who intentionally spread false information that could cause public unrest. The bill is now awaiting the president’s assent to become law.

Journalists have strongly condemned the legislation, labeling it an “attack on freedom of expression.” The opposition PTI has accused the PPP of hypocrisy, as it has supported the bill despite its historical stance on media freedom.

Following the Senate’s approval of the controversial amendments, journalists across Pakistan held protests, vowing to continue their demonstrations. The Peca bill was presented by Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Opposition to Peca Amendments

Journalists in the Senate’s press gallery staged a walkout in protest, replicating scenes from last week when the National Assembly passed the amendments. PTI’s Shibli Faraz criticized the bill, claiming it targeted specific political parties rather than serving the public’s interest.

“The bill’s purpose is to target a specific political party,” Faraz said, questioning its intent. He also criticized the swift passage of the bill, accusing the government of rushing legislation without proper scrutiny.

Minister Hussain defended the bill, stating that it targeted social media and not traditional media outlets. He assured that the amendment could be refined in the future.

Protests Across the Country

Protests erupted in major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Faisalabad. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) led the nationwide protests, decrying the bill as a threat to media freedom. In Faisalabad, protesters displayed banners reading “Black law unacceptable,” while similar protests in Karachi and Islamabad involved journalists wearing handcuffs or chaining themselves to demonstrate their fear of censorship.

Digital Nation Bill and Other Legislative Developments

In addition to the Peca amendments, the Senate also passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024, aimed at digitizing the nation’s governance and economy. Critics, however, raised concerns over the potential for digital surveillance, with rights activists pointing to the lack of human rights safeguards.

The Senate also introduced three other bills to amend existing laws related to migrant smuggling, trafficking, and emigration.

Key Concerns and Proposals of Peca Amendments

The proposed Section 26(A) of Peca stipulates severe penalties for anyone found guilty of spreading “fake news” through online platforms. The bill emphasizes protecting public rights but has drawn criticism for potentially stifling freedom of expression.

Digital rights activists argue that these measures are a step toward consolidating power and controlling narratives, further limiting press freedom in Pakistan, ranked 152nd out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

Next Steps for Journalists and Media Bodies

Journalists have vowed to challenge the Peca amendments in courts and continue their protests until the law is either repealed or amended. They assert that the law, instead of combating misinformation, aims to control the flow of information and curtail media freedoms in Pakistan.