Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Pakistani government to repeal or amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), citing concerns that the law poses serious threats to internet freedom and freedom of expression.
The controversial legislation, commonly referred to as PECA, was amended and passed at the end of January, sparking widespread criticism both within Pakistan and internationally.
In a statement issued on February 4, HRW stated that the Pakistani government’s implementation of PECA has already led to human rights violations. The organization noted that since the original enactment of the law in 2016, dozens of journalists have been subjected to legal action.
The Pakistani Parliament first approved PECA in 2016, but it has now undergone amendments.
On January 28, the Senate of Pakistan passed the revised version of the law, which was later signed by President Asif Ali Zardari.
One of the key amendments includes the addition of Section 26, which criminalizes the dissemination of "fake news" online. Under this provision, individuals who deliberately publish, share, or transmit false information that causes public fear or disorder may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 2 million Pakistani rupees, or both.
Following the approval of these amendments, journalists in Islamabad staged a protest on January 28, marking the day as a "Black Day" in opposition to the new regulations.
Despite concerns from media professionals and rights organizations, the Pakistani government has defended the law, asserting that it will not impact newspapers or mainstream media outlets. Instead, authorities claim that it targets those spreading false information on social media.
The amended PECA law is already officially in effect across Pakistan.
