PECA Amendment Act 2025 Enforced Amid Controversy and Protests.
ISLAMABAD: The contentious “Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Act, 2025” has officially come into force across Pakistan following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari.
The enactment follows the bill’s passage through both the Senate and National Assembly, sparking widespread protests from the journalist community, which has strongly opposed the legislation and urged the government to withdraw it.
The Establishment Division has issued the official gazette notification for the implementation of the PECA Amendment Act, 2025.
On January 28,the Senate approved the bill after it was presented in the upper house, following endorsement by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, despite fierce resistance from journalist organizations.
Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain introduced the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Government’s Stance on the Bill
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain defended the PECA Amendment Act, 2025, stating that it aims to address challenges arising from social media rather than targeting traditional journalists from television and print media.
He assured that opposition members had been involved in discussions regarding the bill through the standing committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate.
The passage of the bill has ignited intense debate, with critics arguing that it could be used to curb press freedom and online expression, while the government maintains that it is a necessary step to regulate digital platforms and tackle cyber-related offenses.
Key Highlights of the PECA Amendment Act 2025
Restructuring of Investigation Authority: The proposed amendments call for the dissolution of the FIA’s cyber crime wing, paving the way for the establishment of a new specialized investigative agency to handle cyber-related offenses.The Cyber crime wing of FIA is officially defunct now.
Strict Penalties for Fake News:Individuals found guilty of “spreading false information” could face a hefty fine of Rs.2 million, reinforcing the government’s stance on combating misinformation.
Jail Time for Offenders: The revised law introduces a three-year prison sentence for those involved in the “dissemination of fake news”, signaling a tougher approach to tackling digital misinformation and online defamation.
