The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Friday called for further expansion of its nationwide protests against recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA).
The group organized the protest against the PECA amendment on January 27. Video footage on X (formerly Twitter) showed Pakistani journalists protesting by chaining themselves in D-Chowk, symbolizing the restrictions on the freedom of speech following the PECA amendments.
The amended provisions were tabled in the National Assembly on 23 January this year and passed within 15 minutes. The draft broadens the restrictions on freedom of expression. It empowers a newly created bureau, the Pakistan Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to block online content and restrict access to social media.
Among the amendments, section 26(A) which aims to eliminate “fake news” is one of the most controversial. The newly inserted provision penalizes whoever intentionally disseminates misinformation, publicly exhibits or transmits any information likely to cause “a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest” online, with up to three years imprisonment or a maximum fine of PKR 2,000,000 (approx. USD 7,150).
Amnesty International expressed alarming concern about the vague incriminating elements of the offense and its excessive penalties. In light of the state’s history of using PECA to suppress dissent, these amendments would likely exacerbate the chilling effect on press freedom and expression in the country.
Another contentious change was the broadened definition of “social media platform,” which now includes “website, application, or communication channel.” This could enable the government to block or restrict the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which Pakistanis have utilized to access social media services like X, recently subjected to blanket bans by the authorities.
In a joint statement from Pakistani media organizations, the PFUJ condemned the government for enacting the legislation without consulting media and journalist groups. The organization views the bill as “an effort to stifle dissent and curtail freedoms.” In response to the hasty passage of the law, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) declared a “Black Day” in protest. Journalists wore black armbands and participated in nationwide rallies, while the main event was held at the National Press Club (NPC).
On Friday, The Lahore High Court issued notices regarding a petition challenging the PECA (Amendment) 2025. In the petition filed by journalist Jaffar Ahmad Yar, it asserted that the modified provisions are unconstitutional. For instance, section 26A, which prescribes punishment for spreading “false and fake information,” fails the test of proportionality and necessity. Hearing the petition, Justice Farooq Haider rejected the petitioner’s request to immediately suspend the implementation of various provisions of the PECA amendments. He stated that he would decide on the plea once the parties had presented their stance.
