ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, without any opposition, drawing sharp criticism from journalist organizations.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) leaders said they would challenge the amendments in court, stage protests, and boycott future assembly sessions in response to the legislation.
The bill, presented by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, was approved within minutes as opposition parties had already staged a walkout, leaving no resistance in the house.
Key Amendments
The amended law, titled “Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025,” introduces new definitions, establishes regulatory and investigative bodies, and imposes stricter penalties for disseminating “false” information.
One significant change lowers the punishment for spreading “fake information” online to three years of imprisonment, coupled with a fine of up to Rs2 million.
Section 26A of the bill states:
“Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits, or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic, disorder, or unrest in the general public or society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend up to three years or with a fine which may extend to two million rupees, or with both.”
Backlash from Journalist Bodies
The passage of the bill came just hours after journalist organizations, including the PFUJ, Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, and Pakistan Broadcasters Association, unanimously rejected the proposed amendments.
Critics argue that the changes threaten freedom of speech and press, with PFUJ pledging to take legal action and intensify protests against what they perceive as an attempt to stifle dissent and curtail journalistic freedoms.
