Senate Passes Controversial PECA Amendments Bill Amid Protests

On Tuesday, the Senate approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, sparking controversy and backlash from journalists and opposition members. The newly passed PECA (Amendments) Bill, 2025 introduces Section 26(A), which penalizes the dissemination of “fake news” online. The amendment proposes up to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both for those intentionally spreading false information that could incite fear, panic, or unrest in society. The bill now awaits the president’s assent to become law.

Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presented the bill. During the session, Leader of the Opposition Shibli Faraz criticized the bill, accusing the government of targeting a specific political party. “Laws are meant to protect citizens, not suppress them. This bill’s intent seems politically motivated,” Faraz argued. He also highlighted the rushed process of passing the amendments in the National Assembly, which triggered protests from opposition members and journalists.

Senate Passes Controversial PECA Amendments Bill Amid Protests

In response, Minister Hussain clarified that the bill is not about journalists but solely targets social media. “This law is not set in stone and can be improved,” he stated, adding that the intent was to modernize the legislative framework to combat cybercrimes.

In its report, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior stated that the amendments aim to strengthen protections for the general public and improve enforcement against cybercrimes. Section 26(A) defines “fake news” as any information a person knowingly spreads that could create fear or unrest in society.

Separately, the National Assembly passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024, introduced by Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja. This bill seeks to create a centralized digital identity for citizens to promote a digital society, economy, and governance in Pakistan.

See Also: National Assembly Passes “The Digital Nation Bill 2025”

The session’s conclusion did not quell concerns from journalists. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) issued a press release announcing nationwide protests, rejecting the amendments as unconstitutional and calling for stronger resistance. “We had urged the government to consult stakeholders before passing these amendments, but our appeals were ignored,” the PFUJ stated.

Senior journalist Wusatullah Khan criticized the delayed reaction from media organizations. He further said, “The journalistic community failed to organize timely protests despite months of discussions about these amendments. Resistance only emerged after it was too late.”

Afzal Butt, the PFUJ President, reportedly admitted that he consulted journalists but failed to mobilize them effectively. Critics have pointed out that similar amendments to PECA in 2016 and during previous governments also faced minimal resistance.

The passing of these amendments has intensified the debate over freedom of expression and the role of social media regulation in Pakistan. While the government defends the changes as necessary to combat cybercrimes, journalists and opposition leaders see them as tools for suppression. As protests grow, the bill’s future impact remains a subject of heated contention.

See Also: Senate Committee Proposes Online Trolling Restrictions & Other Additions to PECA Law