Press release

PECA bill curbs fundamental rights

Lahore, 25 January 2025. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is deeply concerned by the passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the National Assembly. Given the state’s poor record on protecting freedom of digital expression, the bill, if it becomes law, is likely to become yet another means of targeting political workers, human rights defenders, journalists and dissidents by effectively penalizing criticism of state institutions.

The bill’s emphasis in Section 26-A on ‘fake or false news’ is troubling. The text of the bill does not satisfactorily define ‘fake news’ and instead refers to vague outcomes such as public ‘fear, panic or disorder or unrest’. Moreover, the prescribed punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment is excessive.

The institution of four new authorities to regulate digital content—thereby imposing disproportionate multi-layered controls—will have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and opinion. The fact that appeals to the proposed Social Media Protection Tribunal will go directly to the Supreme Court and that this tribunal will comprise government-appointed members is also cause for concern because it implies diminished judicial oversight and greater executive control.

HRCP reminds the government that digital freedoms have already been over-regulated, whether through law or policy, to the detriment of people’s right to information and connectivity, both of which are integral to a twenty-first century democracy. The bill must be debated openly and extensively in the Senate before it proceeds any further.

Asad Iqbal Butt
Chairperson