On January 28, 2025, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari formally endorsed the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025, a move that has sparked outrage among media groups, journalists, and human rights activists. Despite mounting protests and calls from opposition parties and press organizations to reject the bill, Zardari signed it into law, effectively making it the latest chapter in the ongoing battle over freedom of speech and the control of digital information in Pakistan.
The Amendments to Peca (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act)
Originally enacted in 2016, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) aimed to combat cybercrime, particularly online harassment, cyber terrorism, and the misuse of technology. However, the recent amendments to the law have raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to use it to stifle dissent and restrict the media.
The most contentious change is the introduction of Section 26(A), which makes it a criminal offense to spread “fake news” online. According to the new provision, individuals who intentionally disseminate false information likely to cause fear, panic, or unrest in society can face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to ₹2 million, or both. While the government insists that this measure is necessary to curb the spread of disinformation, critics argue that it could be misused to silence political opponents and journalists.
Protests and Opposition
The passage of the bill through Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate was not without controversy. Media organizations across the country, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), voiced their concerns about the implications of the law on press freedom. The bill’s opponents argue that it provides the government with broad powers to censor online content and punish anyone who challenges the official narrative.
Journalists and activists have condemned the amendments as an “attack on freedom of expression” and a direct threat to the media’s ability to operate independently. The opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), has also strongly protested the legislation, citing its potential to restrict the democratic right to free speech.
Afzal Butt, the president of PFUJ, expressed his disappointment with Zardari’s decision, stating in an interview with Geo News, “It is very unfortunate that the president has refused to listen to the concerns of journalists and media bodies. The PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party) has greatly disappointed us. This is not a new thing for us. We will resort to legal recourse and continue our press freedom movement.”
Concerns from Human Rights Groups
The law’s critics are not limited to journalists and media groups. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, have voiced serious concerns about the impact of the amended law on civil liberties and free expression.
Human rights advocates fear that the broad language of the law, coupled with harsh penalties, will enable authorities to target anyone who voices dissent or challenges government policies. They worry that it will disproportionately affect digital rights activists and independent media outlets, further eroding Pakistan’s fragile press freedoms.
Government’s Defense
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has defended the amendments, asserting that the law is essential to combat the growing problem of disinformation, particularly in an age of digital media where rumors and false narratives can quickly spread. The government argues that the law will help maintain public order and prevent the spread of misinformation that can incite violence or panic.
“The new law is necessary to safeguard national security and protect the public from the harmful effects of fake news,” said a government spokesperson. “It is important that those who intentionally harm society through false information are held accountable.”
A New Chapter in Pakistan’s Press Freedom Struggle
The passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 marks another milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle over press freedom and digital rights. The growing influence of social media and online platforms has created a new battleground for control over public discourse, and this latest law has intensified the debate about how to balance national security concerns with the right to free expression.
As protests continue, media organizations and activists vow to challenge the law through legal channels and public mobilization. Whether or not the new law will have the intended effect of curbing fake news or whether it will further stifle dissent and silence critical voices remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the broader implications of the law for democracy, freedom of speech, and digital rights in Pakistan are likely to remain a central issue for years to come.