Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledged that the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is not a perfect law but argued that it is a significant improvement over the original draft.
Speaking at Oxford University, Bilawal explained that the initial version of the law included severe punishments, such as a 30-year prison sentence for a single social media post. He credited consultations and revisions for softening these penalties and ensuring the law does not undermine democracy.
He also defended the 26th Constitutional Amendment, stating that while modifications were made—particularly in consultation with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI)—it remains a key step in strengthening democracy.
Bilawal stressed the need to protect free speech, warning against attempts to control every tweet, post, or news headline. He emphasized that media, including social platforms, must remain independent and free from unnecessary restrictions.
Last month, President Asif Ali Zardari approved controversial amendments to the cybercrime laws, despite protests from journalists and media groups. His assent came just a day after the Senate passed the PECA 2016 amendments, sparking nationwide backlash from media workers who viewed the changes as an attack on press freedom.
A press release from the Presidency confirmed that Zardari had signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, along with the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill and the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill.
What is PECA?
The government has introduced amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to combat disinformation and regulate online content. The proposed 2025 amendments impose strict penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs2 million for spreading false information.
A key feature of the amendments is the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), responsible for monitoring social media platforms and removing unlawful content. The DRPA will also investigate complaints and enforce digital regulations.
The amendments redefine social media platforms and require companies to comply by registering and appointing local representatives.
While supporters argue these measures are necessary to curb fake news and hate speech, critics warn of potential censorship and misuse of power.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) recently held a consultative meeting titled “Media Under Threat: Challenges Faced by Media Personnel Post-PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025.” The SCBA and senior journalists have demanded the annulment of the latest PECA amendments, citing concerns over press freedom and digital rights.
