Pakistan National Assembly Approved Controversial Changes in Cyber Laws, Opposition and Journalists Boycott

Spreading Fake News can lead to up to three Years in Jail and a Fine of 20 Lakh

Islamabad: Pakistan's National Assembly on Thursday passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 (PECA), making major changes to cyber laws. The law aims to curb 'fake news' and control objectionable content on social media. Opposition parties and journalists present to cover the proceedings of the House boycotted it.

The government says that this bill is necessary to stop fake news and rumors. It will help in removing objectionable content on social media and creating a safe online environment. It is a step to take Pakistan forward in the digital age through digital governance.

Under the changes in cyber law, spreading fake news can lead to up to three years in jail and a fine of 20 lakh Pakistani rupees. A new provision has been proposed under Section 26 (A) to punish those who spread 'fake news' through online medium.

⚡ #Pakistan's National Assembly passed a highly controversial amendment, being dubbed as a gag on freedom of expression & digital rights.

⛓️ The #PECA - Prevention of Electronics Crimes Act, 2016 [the Prevention of Electronics Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025] introduces… pic.twitter.com/FHkpVEKMEm

— Shafek Koreshe (@shafeKoreshe) January 23, 2025

The bill states, “Whoever intentionally transmits, publicly displays or disseminates any information through any information system which he knows to be false or forged and which is likely to cause fear or disorder or unrest in the general public or society, shall be punished with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 20 lakh Pakistani rupees, or both.”

A social media regulatory authority will be created, which will handle complaints related to social media and issue orders to remove content within 24 hours. No part of the proceedings of Parliament or provincial assemblies, which has been ordered to be removed, will be made available on social media.

Social media companies will have to create a transparent and effective system to handle complaints. A social media complaints council will also be formed, which will hear and take action on cases related to cyber crimes.

Parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) called it unacceptable and walked out of the House. PTI called it a conspiracy to silence the opposition and the media. Also, the passed Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024 is also being criticized. PTI said that it could put the private data of citizens at risk.

The National Assembly has passed the prevention of electronic crimes amendment bill, 2025 to prevent hate speech, instigation for violence and extremis on digital media.
Report by Musharaf Zahoor. pic.twitter.com/2wv4KRvRo6

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) January 23, 2025

Reporters present in the Parliament gallery to cover the proceedings also walked out of the House to protest the bill as they believe it violates freedom of expression. The protest was organized by the Parliamentary Reporters Association.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) called the bill an attack on media freedom. They say that the government did not consult journalists' organizations and stakeholders while passing this law.

Digital rights activists called it an attack on 'freedom of information and expression'. Digital activist Fareeha Aziz alleged that the government wants to limit access to information and expression under the guise of fake news.

This bill is also called 'Peca' in short form. PECA 2025 now has to be passed by the Senate (Upper House). If it is passed in the Senate and gets the President's approval, it will become a law.