The President of the Pakistan Party Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, said that the law of the Pakiston electronic crimes law (PECA) is not an ideal law, but it is clearly better than the initial version proposed.
Speaking at the University of Oxford, he explained that the law had been improved after consultations, mentioning that the original project included severe sanctions, such as a 30 -year sentence for a single publication on social networks.
Bilawal reiterated that the PPP had played a role in improving the law of the PECA, ensuring that it does not know democracy. He also defended the 26th constitutional amendment, noting that although he was modified from his original form, he still played a crucial role in strengthening democracy. He explained that the modifications made to the amendment were made after consulting the Jamiat Ulema-E-Islam (JUI).
Responding to concerns about freedom of expression, Bilawal stressed that Pakistan’s democracy remains fragile and called to abandon the desire to control each tweet, publication and big title. He stressed that the media, including social media, cannot be checked and should remain safe from an undue influence.
A month ago, President Asif Ali Zardari gave his assent to controversial amendments to the country’s cybercrime laws, despite calls for journalists and media organizations to brake the bill.
This decision one day occurred after the Senate passed the 2016 PECA amendments, provoking demonstrations at the national level of media workers who affirmed that the law was a disguised bail.
A press release published by the Presidency confirmed that Zardari had signed the draft law on the prevention of electronic crimes (amendment), as well as the Pakistan Nation Pakistan bill and the National Commission on the bill status of women (amendment).
Earlier, an advisory meeting held under the auspices of the Association of the Supreme Court Bar (SCBA) requested the cancellation of the recent modifications made to the Cybercrime right of the Pays Peca, 2016.
The meeting entitled “Media under threat: challenges faced by post-Peca media staff (amendment) ACT, 2025” was organized at the SCBA headquarters.
What is Peca?
The Pakistani government is strengthening the law on the prevention of electronic crimes (PECA) with new amendments to combat false news and illegal online content. The 2025 law proposed on the prevention of electronic crimes (amendment) introduces serious sanctions, including up to three years in prison and RS2 million fines for the distribution of disinformation.
A key provision is the creation of a digital rights protection authority (DRPA) responsible for regulating social media platforms and deleting illegal content.
DRPA will have powers to investigate complaints, delete content and apply digital ethics. The changes also redefine social media platforms and oblige the conformity of social media companies, which may require the registration and appointment of local representatives.
While supporters believe that changes are essential to fight against false news and hatred speeches, criticism warns against potential censorship and abusive use.
Chaired by the president of the SCBA, Rauf Atta, the session attended by members of the bar as well as journalists and senior media
