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NA Passes Controversial PECA Amendment Bill Amid Opposition Walkout

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 (PECA), sparking widespread criticism and opposition from journalists, political leaders, and civil society. The bill was passed in the absence of opposition members, with journalists staging a walkout in protest.

Key Developments

  • The bill was presented by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer and passed after approval by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, following its shift from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to the Ministry of Interior.
  • While government coalition parties supported the bill, JUI-F MNA Aliya Kamran opposed it alongside the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025, citing concerns about its implications for civil liberties and press freedom.

Provisions of the PECA Amendment Bill 2025

The legislation introduces stricter penalties for online content deemed false or harmful to public order:

  • Penalty for false information: Up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs. 2 million, or both.
  • Establishment of Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA):
    • SMPRA will regulate social media platforms, oversee content moderation, and ensure compliance with guidelines.
    • It can block platforms partially or fully for non-compliance.
    • SMPRA will consist of a chairperson and eight members, including the Interior Secretary, PEMRA Chairman, and PTA Chairman.

Government’s Defense

Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar asserted that the bill aims to regulate social media to prevent cybercrimes, protect individuals from online harm, and enhance accountability. He denied claims that the legislation targets traditional media.

Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025

The assembly also passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, aimed at fostering digital transformation:

  • Establishes key governance bodies like the National Digital Commission (NDC) and Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) to implement a National Digital Masterplan.
  • Promotes innovation, transparency, and effective public service delivery through digital infrastructure.
  • Addresses data governance and cybersecurity concerns.

Criticism and Concerns

  • Opposition Leaders’ Reaction:
    PTI’s Omar Ayub Khan criticized the bills as tools for centralizing data and increasing surveillance, calling them threats to press freedom and civil liberties. He also questioned the lack of safeguards against misuse.
  • Journalist Community’s Protest:
    Journalist organizations, including PFUJ, APNS, CPNE, and others, rejected the amendments, terming them draconian laws designed to stifle dissent and media freedom. They announced plans for nationwide protests and legal challenges.
  • Civil Society and Digital Rights Activists:
    Advocacy groups like the Digital Rights Foundation and Bolo raised concerns about legitimizing arbitrary actions by authorities, warning of further persecution of journalists and social media users.
  • Human Rights Advocates:
    PPP’s Farhatullah Babar highlighted the potential for misuse, including the creation of unaccountable Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) dominated by intelligence agencies.

Key Objections

  1. Lack of consultation with stakeholders, including journalists and civil society.
  2. Fear of criminalizing dissent and curbing Freedom of Expression.
  3. Potential misuse of central data and surveillance powers without adequate safeguards.
  4. Threats to press freedom and digital rights in Pakistan.

Proposed Nationwide Protests

The Joint Action Committee of Journalists has vowed to protest and challenge the legislation in court. Plans include demonstrations in Islamabad and across Pakistan, with support from lawyers, civil society, and political groups.


The passage of the PECA Amendment Bill has intensified debates about the balance between cybersecurity, Freedom of Expression, and government accountability, with critics warning of its chilling effect on democratic freedoms in Pakistan.

 

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