Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) National Assembly member Zartaj Gul expressed concerns over the passage of the new bill. She says this will allow the government to jail anyone who opposes it on social media.
Speaking to the media after a session, she said the new PECA amendment bill introduces tough penalties for social media users who criticize the government. Under the law, people could face up to three years in prison and fines of up to Rs 30 lakh. She asked: “Are you trying to silence everyone in Pakistan and not allow anyone to speak out against the government?
She explained that under the new law, any social media influencer, activist, journalist or even regular cellphone user who speaks out against government failures could be labeled an opponent and penalized. Zartaj Gul argued that this would result in the suppression of freedom of expression, with activists labeled as terrorists or anti-state. She added: “You want to label every activist as anti-state and silence everyone. No one can express their point of view or criticize the government anymore.”
Zartaj Gul also made it clear that the PTI would not support such an oppressive law. She warned: “This law will backfire on the government. What they use now for their benefit will eventually turn against them. We reject this law.
Additionally, she criticized the way the bill was rushed through the legislative process, Express News reported.
She pointed out that it was presented at an emergency session of the Interior Committee without any proper information. “The Home Secretary was late and no proper explanation was provided regarding the bill,” she said. “This is not the way a country should be run, by silencing everyone. »
The Pakistani government has decided to strengthen the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) with new amendments targeting fake news and illegal content online.
The bill, titled Electronic Crimes Prevention (Amendment) Act 2025, proposes stringent penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs 2 million for spreading misinformation.
The amendments also provide for the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have broad powers to regulate social media and online platforms.
The authority will be empowered to block or remove illegal content and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
The government says the changes are necessary to address the rise of fake news and hate speech, which has contributed to public unrest and societal divisions.
While supporters of the law point to its potential to curb online misinformation and ensure accountability, critics fear the law could lead to censorship or misuse by authorities.
