Committee Reviews Misuse of PECA Provisions
The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting reviewed the implementation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Senator Ali Zafar, chairing the session, declared 372 PECA cases registered by provincial authorities as illegal.
He ordered immediate withdrawal of these cases, citing overreach and lack of federal jurisdiction.
The committee formed a sub-committee to oversee the law’s correct implementation and ensure compliance with the amendments.
Zafar stressed that no citizen should face unlawful prosecution under the revised PECA framework.
He further added that the sub-committee’s members would be announced soon due to the issue’s sensitivity.
Free Speech and Journalism Must Be Protected
Senator Zafar strongly opposed using PECA as a tool for censorship against media or citizens.
He cited a report noting that many “anti-state” cases lacked legitimate national security concerns.
According to Zafar, criticizing government policies should not be treated as a punishable offence under PECA.
He mentioned examples like public criticism of disaster responses, which must be seen as civic engagement.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that current cases largely relate to hate speech and sectarian violence.
Zafar insisted on a balanced approach that protects national security without suppressing free expression.
Journalists’ Rights and Public Trust Must Be Upheld
Senator Zafar reaffirmed the role of journalists as the “fourth pillar” of democracy.
He stressed that while accountability matters, ethical standards must guide public discourse.
Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar updated the committee about journalist Tariq Ali Virk’s case.
The officer involved had been suspended, and local officials worked to resolve the issue peacefully.
A coordination committee will now handle future journalist grievances and protect media freedoms.
Details of Cases and Ongoing Investigations Shared
Officials revealed 19 PECA cases in Islamabad, none involving journalists.
They clarified that provincial authorities can no longer register such cases post-amendment.
All new cases must now fall under federal jurisdiction to maintain consistency in enforcement.
The NCCIA reported registering 1,214 cybercrime cases nationwide.
Out of these, 10 were filed against journalists, 611 for financial fraud, and 320 for harassment.
No arrests were made in the Islamabad cases, despite their active status.
Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Cases Alarm Lawmakers
Senator Irfan-ul-Haq Siddiqui highlighted a major scam using his name to defraud parliamentarians.
He stated that nine MNAs were targeted, with four official complaints already filed.
NCCIA confirmed Rs1.3 million had been recovered, and four suspects arrested in that case.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the main mastermind behind the fraud.
Officials also revealed that Rs10 million had been recovered from WhatsApp hacking scams in five months.
Upholding Laws Without Silencing Voices
The committee emphasized strict enforcement of PECA only within legal limits.
It recommended immediate withdrawal of all 372 illegally registered provincial cases.
A sub-committee will ensure that the law is implemented without curbing press freedom or public dissent.
