Pakistan’s First PECA 2025 Case: Social Media User Arrested for Making False Blasphemy Allegations

The first case under the newly introduced Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 has been registered in Muzaffargarh, resulting in the arrest of the accused. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, in collaboration with the Muzaffargarh police, conducted the operation. The suspect was charged with spreading false blasphemy allegations on social media, allegedly aimed at harming a citizen’s reputation.

PECA 2025 has introduced significant changes to the cybercrime regulatory framework in Pakistan. One of the major additions is the establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, which will serve as the primary body overseeing social media platforms in the country. The authority’s headquarters will be in Islamabad, with additional offices in provincial capitals to ensure nationwide implementation.

Pakistan’s First PECA 2025 Case: Social Media User Arrested for Making False Blasphemy Allegations

The Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority will consist of nine members, including high-ranking government officials such as the Interior Secretary, the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Composition of the Regulatory Authority

The chairman and five members of the authority will be appointed for a term of five years. To ensure diverse representation, the team consists of professionals from various fields, including journalism, law, and technology. The five appointed members will comprise:

• A journalist with at least 10 years of experience in the field.
• A software engineer to provide technical expertise.
• A lawyer specializing in cyber laws and digital rights.
• A social media professional will address issues related to digital content.
• An IT expert from the private sector to offer insights into emerging technologies.

Responsibilities and Powers of the Authority

Under PECA 2025, the newly formed regulatory authority will be responsible for protecting social media users’ rights while ensuring compliance with national laws. Some of its key responsibilities include:

1. Registration and Oversight of Social Media Platforms – The authority will ensure that all social media platforms operating in Pakistan are registered and adhere to national laws.
2. Regulatory Standards – It will set guidelines and standards for online content to prevent misinformation, cyber harassment, and hate speech.
3. Revocation of Registrations – If a social media platform fails to comply with the regulations, the authority has the power to revoke its registration.
4. Disciplinary Actions – The authority can take legal action against social media companies violating PECA 2025.
5. User Protection – It will work towards ensuring user privacy, data protection, and ethical content moderation.

Public and Industry Response

The introduction of PECA 2025 has sparked debate among legal experts, digital rights activists, and media professionals. Some believe the new amendments are necessary to combat cybercrimes and online misinformation. While others see them as a potential tool for censorship and government control over digital platforms.

See Also: AIC Warns PECA Act Could Suppress Internet Freedom in Pakistan

Despite the controversy, the first case under PECA 2025 indicates that law enforcement agencies are actively implementing the new provisions. we will see how these regulations impact social media freedom and digital rights in Pakistan in the long run.