KEY POINTS
- The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes a new provision, Section 26(A), to Peca, so as to penalise perpetrators of fake news online.
- The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024 aims to create a digital identity for citizens.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday moved forward with a contentious amendment to the nation’s cybercrime laws, passing the bill, despite the opposition lawmakers and journalists staging a walkout in protest.
The amendment, titled “The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” was introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in the house just a day earlier and quickly advanced through the legislative process.
During the session, Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, presented the bill, prompting journalists to exit the press gallery in dissent. Opposition from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl lawmakers further underscored the bill’s divisive nature.
In tandem, National Assembly also approved “The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024,” proposed by Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
This legislation aims to facilitate the creation of a digital identity for citizens and consolidate social, economic, and governance data, thereby paving the way for a fully digital society and economy.
Prior to the protest, PTI lawmakers had already exited the assembly over reports of party founder Imran Khan’s imprisonment, vowing to disrupt proceedings.
The proposed cybercrime amendments include a new provision, Section 26(A), targeting “fake news.” It stipulates that anyone knowingly sharing false information that incites fear or unrest could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to PKR 2 million.
Additionally, a new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority will be established to oversee social media activities, with powers to compel platforms to register and block harmful content.
This authority could order the removal of content deemed contrary to Pakistan’s ideology, inciting violence, or spreading fake news, among other offences.
Furthermore, the bill restricts streaming of parliamentary proceedings that have been expunged, along with statements from banned organizations.
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The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing journalists, condemned the amendment, arguing it undermines freedom of expression.
They demanded proper consultation before any legislative changes were made, highlighting the lack of transparency in the drafting process.
Digital rights advocates criticized the bill as a means to tighten governmental control over information and stifle expression, expressing shock at the hastiness of the legislation’s passage.
Human rights lawyer Nighat Dad emphasized the ambiguity of the definitions within the bill, calling for a reconsideration of its controversial provisions.