ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate, the upper house of the country’s Parliament, on Tuesday, passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 amid protest by opposition parties.
These legislative measures are designed to foster a digital society, economy, and governance framework.
The Peca bill was introduced in the upper house of Parliament by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain. He emphasized that the bill is designed to address challenges posed by social media, clarifying that it is not intended to target journalists from television or print media.
Hussain noted that the opposition is actively involved in discussions regarding the bill through the standing committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate.
In response to the proposed amendments, Aimal Wali from the ANP criticized the bill as a draconian measure that curtails freedom of speech, stating, “The bill reeks of authoritarianism,” before announcing his intention to exit the House alongside fellow party members.
Journalists covering the proceedings also left the Senate gallery in protest as the bill was brought forward for approval.
Opposition Leader in Senate Shibli Faraz expressed concern that while it is their responsibility to legislate, this law is being passed without adequate consultation. “Consultation with relevant stakeholders regarding the Peca amendment bill should have been prioritized,” he asserted.
Faraz criticized the procedural integrity of the bill, noting that no stakeholders were included in the process, which led to their lack of support.
JUI-F member Kamran Murtaza pointed out that the standing committee’s report was lacking, as his proposed amendments to the Peca Act had neither been accepted nor rejected.
He added, “There is neither an organisation established nor a judge appointed to handle cases under this law.”
PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar condemned the government for stifling discussion on the contentious bill, remarking, “You disregard the opposition’s input.”
As tensions rose, Shibli Faraz stood up, and opposition members gathered around the Senate deputy chairman’s podium.
In a separate development, the Digital Nation Pakistan bill, presented by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, was approved clause by clause, despite the opposition’s calls for discussion.
Tarar stated that the bill aims to modernize the entire system to meet contemporary needs.
JUI-F’s Kamran Murtaza proposed amendments to the Digital bill, arguing it infringes on provincial authority, but his suggestions were dismissed after facing opposition from the law minister.
Shibli Faraz joined PTI senators in expressing their discontent over the legislative process, as members from both PTI and ANP protested in front of the chairman’s podium, accusing the government of “bulldozing the bills.”
During the session, Senator Falak Naz Chitrali faced a warning from the deputy chairman for her remarks directed at the Senate secretary, to which she retorted that she felt threatened.
PFUJ protests
Afzal Butt, the President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), declared that today marks a grim chapter in the history of Pakistan’s democracy, media, and the fundamental rights of its citizens, particularly the freedom of expression.
“This day will forever be etched in our memories as a dark moment, and we will not forget the parties responsible for endorsing this oppressive legislation,” he stated.
He emphasized that the PFUJ and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) had already planned protests, and the recent developments have only intensified their resolve to take to the streets.
Butt expressed disappointment that parliament did not heed their calls for dialogue, despite their efforts to engage as key stakeholders. “We reached out with letters, seeking an opportunity for discussion, yet the government chose to remain silent on this critical issue.”
“This is not merely a protest; it signifies the inception of a movement for press freedom. Our efforts will persist until this unjust law is repealed,” he asserted.
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He outlined their strategy, stating that they have mobilized teams to advocate on two fronts: one on the streets and the other at the Parliament House and the press gallery. Additionally, they are preparing for a constitutional challenge in the courts, consulting with legal experts to fortify their resistance against this law.
In response to the PFUJ’s call to action, Butt noted that a nationwide observance of this dark day is taking place, with demonstrations occurring in cities such as Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, and Islamabad.
“Protests will commence at 3 PM and continue into the evening,” he announced.
He concluded by indicating that today marks just the beginning of their efforts, with further plans to be revealed tomorrow, and a commitment to hold daily protests moving forward.
