President Asif Ali Zardari has officially signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 (PECA), making it law despite strong opposition from journalists and rights activists. The bill, initially passed by the National Assembly and later approved by the Senate, has been criticized for imposing strict regulations on social media, sparking concerns over freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Journalists and Opposition Condemn PECA Bill

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President, Afzal Butt, expressed disappointment, stating that journalists had hoped for a reconsideration by the president. “We will continue to protest and challenge this law in court,” he said in an interview with Geo News.

Government’s Stance: A Necessary Step, Not Targeting Journalists

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain defended the law, stating that it primarily targets social media, not mainstream journalism. “This bill is not the ultimate scripture; improvements can be made,” he said. However, opposition leaders, including Shibli Faraz and Aimal Wali Khan, have strongly opposed it, claiming it suppresses free speech and resembles authoritarian control.

Key Provisions of the PECA Amendment Bill 2025

The newly enacted law introduces several significant changes:

  • Fake News Penalties: Spreading false information can lead to up to three years in prison, a fine of up to PKR 2 million, or both.
  • Criminalizing Certain Content: Content deemed anti-Islam, anti-Pakistan, defamatory to the judiciary or military will be considered illegal.
  • Content Restrictions: Statements from banned individuals or organizations cannot be uploaded.
  • Regulation of Social Media: A Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority will be established, empowered to regulate online content, block accounts, and take punitive action.
  • Temporary Bans: The authority can block content for up to 30 days, with an additional 30-day extension if required.
  • Oversight & Enforcement: A dedicated National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency will replace the FIA’s cybercrime wing.
  • Judicial Framework: A Social Media Protection Tribunal will be formed, headed by a judge with high court qualifications. Aggrieved individuals can appeal to the Supreme Court within 60 days.

Concerns Over Freedom of Expression

Opponents argue that the bill is designed to curtail free speech and suppress dissent. PTI leader Shibli Faraz labeled it a “law of punishment, not reform,” while Aimal Wali Khan remarked that it has the “stench of authoritarianism.”

Similarly, former minister Zartaj Gul warned, “The government is trying to silence online voices under the guise of regulation.”

The Road Ahead

While the government insists the law will curb misinformation and protect national interests, its broad definitions and extensive powers raise fears of potential misuse against political opponents, activists, and journalists.

With legal challenges looming and protests expected to continue, the PECA Amendment Bill 2025 remains one of the most controversial legislations in Pakistan’s digital landscape.