PECA amendment Act 2025: A blow to freedom of expression?

On 29 January 2025, the Government of Pakistan passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025. The new law has introduced wide-ranging changes in how digital content will be controlled. While the government has defended the amendment as necessary to curb fake news and harmful online material, critics believe it is a direct attack on freedom of speech and media independence.

One of the most controversial provisions is the introduction of Section 26(A), which makes it a crime to spread any information that may create “fear, panic, disorder, or unrest.” The punishment includes up to three years in prison, a fine of two million rupees, or both. Alongside this, the law has also established a Social Media Regulatory Authority, special tribunals, and complaint councils, giving the government greater powers to regulate and punish online speech. Many observers have raised concerns that the law was introduced in haste, without consulting media groups, civil society, or digital rights experts.

The response from the public and civil society has been strong. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) held nationwide protests and called the amendment a “black law.” Human rights organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also criticised the amendment, warning that it could be misused to silence dissent, discourage debate, and suppress investigative journalism. Opposition political parties have also rejected the law, describing it as part of a broader effort to shrink democratic space.

Although the government argues that fake news is a real threat and must be tackled, the language of the law is vague and overly broad. By giving the state power to decide what counts as “panic” or “disorder,” the amendment risks becoming a tool of censorship. Instead of protecting the public, it may lead to fear and self-censorship among journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens, weakening Pakistan’s democratic institutions.
Takeaway:

The PECA Amendment Act, 2025 is one of the most controversial laws in recent years. While controlling disinformation is important, bypassing consultation and granting unchecked powers to regulators undermines the right to free expression. In its current form, the amendment seems less about protecting society and more about restricting dissent, which makes it a serious threat to democratic freedom.