
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior’s recent approval of the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan, marking a contentious chapter in the nation’s political landscape. Despite vehement opposition from journalist organizations, human rights activists, and legal experts, the government has defended the bill as a necessary measure to address issues on social media. However, many critics view it as a thinly veiled attempt to curtail freedom of expression and silence dissent.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, a key proponent of the bill, argued that the new legislation would help regulate social media content and combat illegal activities online. Speaking to reporters, Hussain claimed, “Social media has become a lawless space, and this amendment will bring much-needed regulation to ensure the safety and integrity of digital communications.” Nonetheless, his justification has done little to assuage concerns among journalists and civil rights groups who believe the bill’s provisions are draconian and pose a direct threat to democratic norms.
Under the proposed amendment, a newly established regulatory authority will wield extensive powers to monitor and control online content. This body will have the authority to take disciplinary action against social media platforms that violate the law, direct relevant institutions to remove illegal content, and even register or deregister platforms. Such sweeping powers have alarmed various stakeholders, who argue that the legislation lacks adequate checks and balances. Legal experts warn that the bill’s vague language opens the door to potential abuse and arbitrary enforcement.
In Karachi, a large demonstration drew a diverse crowd of journalists, representatives from civil society, labor unions, lawyers, and political parties. Protesters carried placards denouncing the amendment as an attack on press freedom. Similar protests were held in Lahore outside the Punjab Assembly, where members of the Punjab Union of Journalists and other organizations voiced their concerns. Many protesters in Lahore claimed that the amendment was passed illegally, without proper debate or consultation.
Press associations have issued strong statements condemning the government’s actions. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) declared the amendment “a blatant attempt to muzzle the media and silence dissenting voices.” PFUJ General Secretary Shahzada Zulfiqar said, “This is a black day for journalism in Pakistan. The government is systematically dismantling the pillars of democracy by targeting the media.” The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed its dismay, stating that “the amendment is a grave threat to fundamental rights and must be rescinded immediately.”
The role of the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP), a coalition partner in the government, has come under scrutiny. The PPP has long claimed to be a champion of free speech and democracy. However, its silence on the PECA Amendment has been deafening. Journalists and political analysts have criticized the party for abandoning its democratic principles in favor of political expediency. “The PPP’s failure to oppose this draconian bill is a betrayal of its legacy,” said political analyst Dr. Farooq Ahmed. “It is shocking to see a party that once fought for press freedom now complicit in its erosion.”
The PECA Amendment Bill is not a new controversy. The original PECA law was enacted in 2016 during the PML-N government and was initially intended to combat cybercrimes such as online harassment, hacking, and digital fraud. However, it quickly became a tool for censorship and political victimization. Journalists, activists, and social media users have faced arrests and legal action under PECA for expressing dissenting views. The amendment passed in 2025 further expands the government’s powers, raising concerns about abuse and arbitrary enforcement.
Legal experts argue that the bill violates constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and the right to information. “The vague and broad language of the amendment opens the door to widespread misuse,” warned Advocate Sana Khalid, a prominent constitutional lawyer. “This is not about regulating social media; it is about controlling narratives and silencing dissent.”
The government’s justification for the amendment has also been called into question. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain’s assertion that the bill addresses social media issues lacks specificity. Critics argue that existing laws are sufficient to tackle online crimes and that the real motive behind the amendment is to curtail criticism of the government. “The government is trying to shield itself from accountability,” said media analyst Hamid Raza. “This amendment is a tool to intimidate and silence journalists and activists who speak truth to power.”
The international community has also taken note of the developments. Press freedom organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have condemned the amendment and urged the Pakistani government to reconsider its stance. RSF’s Asia-Pacific Director, Daniel Bastard, stated, “The PECA Amendment is a severe blow to press freedom in Pakistan. We call on the authorities to respect democratic norms and withdraw this draconian legislation.”
As the bill awaits the president’s approval, the opposition to it continues to grow. Civil society groups have vowed to challenge the amendment in court and stage nationwide protests. “We will not sit quietly while our fundamental rights are trampled upon,” declared activist Maria Khan. “This is a fight for democracy, and we will not back down.”
The government faces a critical choice: listen to the voices of its citizens and uphold democratic principles or push forward with an agenda that undermines press freedom and erodes public trust. The PECA Amendment Bill is a test of the government’s commitment to democracy, and so far, it appears to be failing that test.
Critics argue that the bill’s passage will have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s democratic fabric. “Once you start down the path of censorship and control, it’s hard to turn back,” warned Dr. Saima Qureshi, a professor of political science. “The government must understand that a free press is essential for a healthy democracy. Without it, we risk becoming a state where dissent is punished, and truth is silenced.”
As protests continue and legal challenges loom, the fate of the PECA Amendment remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the government’s actions have ignited a fierce debate about the future of press freedom in Pakistan. Whether the voices of reason will prevail remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight for free speech is far from over.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.