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Pakistan’s new cybercrime amendment further restricts digital freedom, critics warn
Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), sparking concerns about further restrictions on digital freedoms in a country already known for tight internet controls.
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025, passed on January 23, introduces criminal penalties for what authorities describe as “false and fake information,” with violators facing up to three years imprisonment plus fines. The bill has been referred to the Senate Standing Committee following significant backlash from opposition parties, media organizations, and civil society groups.
Human rights advocates have expressed alarm at the vague wording of the new provisions, which they fear could be weaponized against legitimate political dissent and free expression online.
“The latest amendment to the draconian Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act by the National Assembly will further tighten the government’s grip over Pakistan’s heavily controlled digital landscape,” said Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director of Campaigns for South Asia at Amnesty International.
Critics note the legislation was rushed through without proper consultation or public debate. The amendment also creates a new Social Media Regulation and Protection Authority with expanded powers to block and remove online content based on broadly defined criteria, replacing some functions previously held by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority.
“These provisions grant authorities power to block and remove content based on vague criteria, which will violate the right to freedom of expression and fail to meet standards of proportionality and necessity under international human rights law,” Pant added.
The amendment comes amid growing concerns about digital rights in Pakistan. The country has already blocked access to X (formerly Twitter) since February 2024, and has a history of imposing blanket restrictions on social media platforms during times of political unrest.
Pakistan’s digital landscape has increasingly come under government control in recent years. The original PECA law, passed in 2016, was initially criticized by human rights organizations for its potential to limit free expression. Those concerns have proven well-founded, with journalists, activists, and opposition politicians frequently targeted under the law since its implementation.
The proposed amendments align with other recent digital surveillance initiatives, including the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, which digital rights advocates say lacks proper human rights safeguards. Together, these developments signal an intensifying approach to controlling online spaces in Pakistan.
Media freedom organizations have documented numerous cases where existing cybercrime laws have been used to silence journalists critical of government policies or reporting on sensitive topics. The vague definition of “false information” in the new amendment could further complicate the work of independent media and fact-checkers.
The business community has also expressed concerns about the potential impact on Pakistan’s growing digital economy, as regulatory uncertainty and content restrictions may discourage international technology companies from investing in the country.
Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to withdraw the bill entirely and instead engage in meaningful consultation with civil society to reform PECA in line with international human rights standards.
The Senate’s decision on the amendment will determine whether Pakistan continues its trajectory toward tighter digital controls or responds to growing domestic and international pressure for greater online freedoms. For now, the country’s internet users face an increasingly restricted digital environment with serious implications for freedom of expression, information access, and civil liberties.
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6 Comments
As a mining investor, I’m worried these regulations could impact information-sharing and transparency in the industry. Open online discourse is crucial for evaluating commodity markets and holding companies accountable. Pakistan should reconsider these amendments to avoid unintended chilling effects.
While combating misinformation is important, these amendments seem to go too far. Criminalizing ‘false’ posts is a blunt instrument that could undermine legitimate debate. Pakistan should pursue more nuanced solutions that protect free expression.
Restricting digital freedoms often backfires and fuels more misinformation and distrust. Pakistan would be better served focusing on digital literacy programs and encouraging platform accountability, rather than criminalizing ‘fake news’. I hope they take a more balanced approach.
As someone interested in the Pakistani mining and commodities sector, I’m worried these new social media rules could hinder the flow of information and public oversight. Transparency is crucial for investors to make informed decisions.
While I understand the desire to combat misinformation, this law appears overly broad and restrictive. Imprisoning people for ‘false’ posts sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine democracy. I hope the Senate provides robust oversight to protect Pakistanis’ digital rights.
This is a concerning development for online freedoms in Pakistan. Vague wording around ‘false and fake information’ could easily be abused to stifle legitimate criticism and dissent. The government needs to ensure any social media regulations balance security concerns with protecting free expression.