ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet today passed an amendment to award seven-year imprisonment for those who will be guilty of spreading hateful content on social media.
With this amendment the Federal Investigation Agency has been empowered to take action against such individuals.
Once the amendment is approved by the parliament, FIA will have powers to take action on spreading fake news and rumours on social media.
The cabinet approved the amendments in the FIA act through a summary moved via circulation while Parliament will accord the final approval.
In Feb 2022, President Dr Arif Alvi gave approval of an ordinance of a similar nature with amendments in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, (PECA) 2016.
The PTI government had recommended PECA envisaging five-year sentence for criticising state institutions, including the Pakistan Army, judiciary and others on electronic media.
Nonetheless, the Islamabad High Court declared the PECA ordinance unlawful and directed the government to probe abuse of the law and submit a report.
In fact, the media organizations had challenged the PECA as a “draconian law” and held countrywide protests.
Pakistan Broadcasters Association, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, etc, filed the petition against PECA through senior lawyer Munir A Malik.
