The Senate’s Standing Committee on Interior has given its approval to the controversial PICA Amendment Bill, despite significant opposition from political parties and media organizations. The bill, which aims to address the issue of fake news and misinformation, has sparked debate regarding its potential impact on freedom of speech in Pakistan.

The committee meeting, held under the chairmanship of Faisal Saleem Rahman, saw a divided discussion. The main opposition came from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and various journalistic groups, who voiced concerns about the haste with which the bill was being passed. JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza raised questions about the speed of the approval process, stating that the bill was being rushed through without adequate consultation or time for a thorough review. “How can we understand and debate a law when we have so little time to read it?” he said, pointing out that the bill’s vague definition of “fake news” was one of its major flaws.

During the session, Chairman Faisal Saleem Rahman addressed the media groups’ failure to submit written recommendations, suggesting that they should have provided formal input to the committee. He emphasized that while fake news is a serious issue, it should not be used as a pretext for limiting press freedom. Rahman also noted that he himself had been a victim of fake news, underlining the need for action against it.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, while agreeing with the bill’s aim to tackle fake news, expressed his concern over the lack of consultation with journalists before finalizing the bill. “It would have been better if media organizations had been consulted beforehand. If the law is used to target journalists, we will stand with them,” he added, emphasizing the need to balance media regulation with the protection of journalists’ rights.

The Secretary of the Interior Ministry defended the bill, stating that it was introduced to safeguard the public from the harm caused by fake news. He confirmed that some amendments had been made to improve the implementation of the law, suggesting that the version approved by the National Assembly should be passed as-is.

Additionally, the Senate’s IT and Telecom Committee also approved the Digital Pakistan Bill 2025, with a majority vote of 4 in favor and 2 against. However, opposition Senator Kamran Murtaza and Safullah Niazi raised objections to some sections of the bill, particularly those related to digital censorship and control over social media platforms. Senator Murtaza’s proposed amendments were rejected, while confusion arose over specific sections of the bill.

The approval of these bills comes at a time when there is growing concern over the increasing regulation of digital spaces and media in Pakistan. While the government asserts that the measures are necessary for national security and the protection of the public, critics warn that they could have negative consequences for press freedom and online expression.