Peca Law
In a recent incident in Pakpattan, Punjab, police arrested a man on Friday for allegedly allowing an insulting post targeting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to be shared in a WhatsApp group. The arrest was made under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (Peca) and Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
According to the first information report (FIR), a post containing “dirty language” against the Punjab CM was uploaded to a WhatsApp group.
The FIR stated that the suspect deliberately shared an immoral and insulting post, while the group admin, who was aware of the post’s offensive and illegal content, failed to remove it. Instead, the admin allowed other group members to view the post, which the FIR claimed was an attempt to “spread chaos among the public.”
The Pakpattan police confirmed the arrest of the group admin, emphasizing their stance against such online activities. “The group admin has been arrested for permitting the post to circulate,” a police spokesperson said, adding that this action was necessary to curb the spread of harmful and defamatory content online.
The incident coincides with the passing of the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, in the National Assembly. The amended law introduces new definitions, stricter penalties, and the formation of regulatory and investigative bodies to address cybercrimes.
The government also aims to reduce the maximum imprisonment for spreading “fake information” online from five years to three years, along with a fine of up to Rs2 million.
Section 26A of the amended act states that anyone who disseminates or publicly exhibits false information that could cause fear, panic, or unrest in society will face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both.
Additionally, the bill proposes establishing the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and the Social Media Protection Tribunal to ensure better monitoring and regulation of online activities.
This case and the recent legislative amendments highlight Pakistan’s increasing focus on addressing cybercrimes and regulating online spaces, albeit amid criticism from journalist bodies and free speech advocates.
