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Senate Passes Controversial Peca Amendments Amid Protests
The Senate's approval of Peca amendments sparks outrage nationwide. Journalists call it an "attack on free speech," as protests erupt in major cities.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-28
Senate Passes Controversial Peca Amendments Amid Protests

The Senate on Tuesday approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, triggering protests across Pakistan by media bodies and civil rights advocates. The amendments, now part of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduce Section 26(A), which penalizes the intentional spread of “fake news” with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of Rs2 million, or both. The bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.

Journalists and opposition parties have strongly criticized the legislation, calling it an assault on press freedom. The opposition PTI accused the ruling coalition, particularly the PPP, of using the bill to target dissent and political opponents.

Protests Erupt Nationwide

The legislation has ignited protests across major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. Media workers staged walkouts, held banners denouncing the "black law," and warned the government against stifling freedom of expression.

At a protest in Lahore, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General Arshad Ansari declared:
“You will not silence us. This law will not stand. We will hold rallies, shut down streets, and fight for our constitutional rights.”

Protesters, some wearing handcuffs and chains, vowed to escalate their demonstrations if the amendments are not repealed. Legal challenges to the amendments are also being prepared.

Government’s Defense

The bill’s proponents argue that the amendments aim to modernize laws addressing cybercrimes and protect the public from false information. Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain insisted the legislation targets social media, not journalists or traditional media outlets.

“This law is not set in stone,” he added. “It can be improved, and journalists have nothing to fear.”

The bill also proposes the establishment of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) to oversee and regulate digital platforms.

International and Domestic Condemnation

Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have condemned the amendments, calling them “draconian” and a threat to free speech. Critics warn that the new measures could be misused to silence political dissent, human rights defenders, and journalists.

What’s Next?

The PFUJ has announced a nationwide campaign to oppose the amendments, including boycotts of government assemblies and further protests. Meanwhile, the bill’s constitutionality may be tested in the courts.

As the debate over the Peca amendments intensifies, the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024, has also raised concerns. While aimed at digitizing governance, critics argue it lacks safeguards to protect citizens' privacy and rights.

With press freedom under the spotlight, the outcome of the protests and potential legal battles could shape the future of free expression in Pakistan.

 
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PressFreedom

DigitalRights

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