ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Tuesday passed controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) Bill, 2025, amid protests by the opposition and a walkout by journalists in the house.
The bill was moved by Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
As the bill was introduced, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, spoke out against it, highlighting that the laws were made to protect people, while the purpose of the said bill was “to target a specific political party”.
The opposition leader said, “When a new law is introduced, its intent is scrutinised. Whether it’s social media or any other medium, it should operate within specific boundaries.”
Talking on the Peca tweaks, ANP’s Aimal Wali said it was a draconian law as it imposed restrictions on freedom of speech. “The bill smells of boots,” he said, announcing to walk out from the House with other members of his party.
In his remarks, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said the amendment bill is aimed at dealing with the issues on social media. He assured it is not directed against the journalists of television and newspapers.
The Minister said the opposition was also engaged on the bill through the platforms of standing committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate.
On the other hand, the journalists also boycotted the session and walked out of the assembly galleries, severely criticising the tweaks in Peca.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced a nationwide protest today at 3 pm against the bill.
In a press release, the journalist body said, “We had appealed to the government of Pakistan and elected representatives to consult all stakeholders before passing the amendments from Senate of Pakistan… We reject these amendments, as they go against the spirit of the Constitution.”
“Therefore, the PFUJ urges and appeals to all union of journalists to organise strong protests at 3 pm tomorrow at their respective press clubs, demonstrating unity and sending a strong message of rejection to the government and authorities behind these amendments,” the press release said.
Meanwhile, the Upper House of the Parliament also passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2025, which was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
In his remarks, the Law Minister said the bill is aimed at digitizing the whole system to align with the modern-day requirements.
PECA Amendment Bill, 2025
The bill redefined “social media platforms,” including tools and software used to access social media. The bill proposes changes to Section 2 of PECA, expanding the definition of “websites,” “applications,” and “communication channels.”
The amendments expand the definition of unlawful content to include:
- Anti-Islamic or anti-state material
- Content threatening public order, obscenity, or immorality
- Contempt of court and incitement to crime or terrorism
- Hate speech, defamation, and blackmail
- False news, particularly targeting state institutions or judiciary
The changes include the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have the authority to remove online content, access prohibited or obscene materials, and take action against individuals sharing such content.
The government would establish the DRPA to provide recommendations to federal and provincial governments on digital ethics and related areas. The DRPA would encourage and facilitate research and education on social media platforms while ensuring online user protection.
The authority will consist of a chairperson and six members, appointed for three years. Decisions will be made by a majority vote, with the chairperson empowered to issue directives for blocking unlawful content, subject to confirmation within 48 hours.
The DRPA will regulate social media content under PECA, investigate complaints, and block or restrict access to unlawful content. The authority will set timeframes for social media companies to comply with its directives and facilitate their registration or establishment of local offices in Pakistan.
Additionally, the amendments also proposed the constitution of a Social Media Complaint Council to receive and process complaints made by aggrieved parties against violation of any provision of the cybercrime law.
A Social Media Protection Tribunal will be established to adjudicate cases within 90 days. Appeals against tribunal decisions can be made to the Supreme Court within 60 days, the bill read.
Each tribunal will consist of a chairperson qualified to be a high court judge, a journalist registered with a press club, and a software engineer.
Apart from that, the amendment bill also proposed the establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency will investigate and prosecute the offenses specified under the Peca amendments, 2025.
