A heated debate is underway in Pakistan’s Senate regarding amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with senators expressing concerns over its potential impact on freedom of speech and the press.
Senator Afnan Ullah of the Muslim League, speaking on Aaj News’ program Spotlight, stated that while the government is open to dialogue regarding proposed changes to PECA, journalists should submit formal proposals outlining their concerns.
Ullah emphasized the need to incentivize companies like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which are not registered in Pakistan, to establish a presence within the country. He also voiced his long-standing support for internet access, highlighting its importance for education and employment opportunities. However, he strongly condemned the spread of misinformation and propaganda on social media platforms, particularly instances where individuals profit from disseminating false information, arguing that such actions damage the reputation of the entire journalistic community.
The senator highlighted the pervasive issue of online harassment, including the targeted abuse and vilification of women on social media. He cited numerous instances of violence and unrest fueled by fake news, including a recent case involving allegations of rape. Ullah stressed the urgent need for legal solutions to address this issue, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that avoids overly restrictive legislation. He noted that while a media-related law was drafted in 2023, it never passed due to ongoing committee meetings.
Usama Khilji, a digital rights activist, also participating in the Spotlight discussion, differentiated between misinformation (the unintentional spread of false information) and disinformation (the intentional spread of false information for malicious purposes). He agreed with Senator Ullah on the need for penalties for such offenses, noting that sections 8, 9, 10, 20, and 21 of PECA already address these issues.
However, Khilji criticized the proposed amendments as overly harsh, particularly the inclusion of excessively long prison sentences. He cited a recent statement by the Asia Internet Coalition urging a halt to the bill and further consultation. He warned that the frequent blocking of platforms by the government would deter international companies from operating in Pakistan.
Senator Rukhsana Taimur of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the lack of consultation with the journalistic community before the bill’s introduction. She highlighted the bill’s potential to restrict access to information and expressed concerns about the PTI’s treatment during the legislative process, citing instances of online harassment and trolling targeting her party. She emphasized that while fake news is harmful regardless of the source, the rushed legislative process was flawed.
Senator Zamir Ghumro of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) noted the president’s power to return the bill to parliament for review and amendment. He pointed out that the original version of the bill did not include the three-year prison sentence and expressed the PPP’s opposition to the harsher penalties.
He explained the appeals process, emphasizing that cases involving platform blocking would be handled by tribunals, ensuring avenues for redressal. He clarified that cases involving three-year sentences would go to regular courts, while those involving platform blocking would go to tribunals to ensure timely resolution. The existence of tribunals, he argued, is designed to alleviate pressure on the courts and ensure swift action in cases of online abuse.
