The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a law designed to address cybercrime and digital misconduct, has sparked significant controversy since its enactment in 2016.
Initially introduced to combat cyber harassment, financial fraud, identity theft, and the spread of hate speech, PECA has become increasingly contentious due to its perceived misuse as a tool for censorship and political repression.
Enacted by the PML-N government in the aftermath of heightened national security concerns following the 2014 Army Public School attack, PECA aimed to protect citizens from online dangers and misinformation.
However, its broad provisions, including the empowerment of agencies like the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to target individuals engaged in online activities deemed inappropriate or anti-state, have raised alarm among journalists, human rights groups, and digital rights advocates.
Critics argue that the law’s vague language makes it prone to manipulation, enabling authorities to target dissenters and critics of the government.
PECA’s scope has widened over time, with the law being invoked against politicians, journalists, and activists, often for their online critiques of the government or military. As the law’s application has been increasingly selective, it has been accused of suppressing free speech and silencing opposition voices.
In 2022, under the PTI government, PECA was amended, intensifying penalties for defamation and criminalizing criticism of state institutions.
The changes prompted backlash from media bodies and civil society groups, who argued that the amendments threatened journalistic independence and the fundamental right to free speech. The Islamabad High Court struck down key amendments in April 2022, declaring them unconstitutional for infringing on free expression.
More recently, new amendments passed by the Senate in 2025 have escalated concerns, particularly over the regulation of online content. A key provision, Section 26(A), criminalizes the intentional dissemination of “fake news” that may lead to societal unrest, with offenders facing up to three years in prison and substantial fines. The law also establishes a new body, the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, with sweeping powers to monitor, regulate, and remove online content, further centralizing control over digital discourse.
These amendments have ignited protests from media organizations, fearing they will stifle journalism and further entrench state control over online platforms. The broad definitions of “fake news” and “disruptive content” allow for selective enforcement, potentially punishing those who challenge the status quo.
The law’s penalties, including significant prison sentences and fines, are seen as disproportionate and designed to create a chilling effect on digital expression.
The introduction of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority signals a shift toward greater state control, with the authority empowered to remove content, block accounts, and even mandate that social media platforms register with the government.
These measures are viewed as a move toward digital authoritarianism, where the state’s role as gatekeeper of truth could silence dissent and suppress critical voices.
The latest changes to PECA raise serious concerns about the future of free speech in Pakistan, with critics warning that they could further erode democratic principles and press freedoms. The law’s vague language and punitive measures risk turning it into a powerful tool for political control, rather than a safeguard against digital harm. As Pakistan continues its digital evolution, the challenge remains: will the government balance regulation with the preservation of fundamental rights, or will it prioritize control over freedom of expression?
