The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has urged the government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to facilitate an open Senate debate on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025. The amendments, which were recently passed by the National Assembly despite opposition backlash, have drawn widespread criticism.
The HRCP expressed concerns that the proposed amendments could be misused to target political activists, human rights defenders, and journalists critical of state institutions. In particular, the emphasis on “fake or false news” in Section 26-A of the bill has raised alarm, as the term “fake news” remains inadequately defined.
The amendments propose the establishment of three new entities: the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and the Social Media Protection Tribunal. The tribunal would resolve cases within 90 days, with appeals allowed to the Supreme Court within 60 days.
The legislation also proposes a maximum three-year imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs2 million for individuals accused of spreading “fake information” online. Additionally, it empowers authorities to mandate social media platforms to register with the government under prescribed terms and fees.
HRCP criticized the three-year jail term as “excessive” and voiced concerns over the bill’s vague references to outcomes such as creating public “fear, panic, disorder, or unrest.” The organization also highlighted the problematic composition of the Social Media Protection Tribunal, which would consist of government-appointed members, and the direct appeal process to the Supreme Court.
“Digital freedoms are already over-regulated,” HRCP stated on X, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to legislation.
The amendments have also provoked strong opposition from journalist organizations. The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing bodies such as the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), announced plans to challenge the bill in court and launch a protest movement.
“The bill targets not only social media but also digital platforms of electronic and print media, aiming to criminalize dissenting voices,” the JAC said in a statement.
