Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) National Assembly member Zartaj Gul has expressed concern over the passage of the new bill. She says she will allow the government to jail anyone who opposes it on social media.
Speaking to the media after a session, he stated that the recently passed PECA Amendment Bill introduces tough penalties for social media users who criticize the government. Under this law, people could face up to three years in prison and fines of up to Rs 30 lakh. She asked: “Are they trying to silence everyone in Pakistan and not allow anyone to speak against the government?”
He explained that under the new law, any social media influencer, activist, journalist or even a regular mobile phone user who exposes the government’s failures could be labeled as an opponent and sanctioned. Zartaj Gul argued that this would result in the suppression of freedom of expression, and activists would be labeled as terrorists or anti-state. And he added: “They want to label all activists as anti-state and silence everyone. No one could express their opinions or criticize the government anymore.”
Zartaj Gul also clarified that the PTI will not support such an oppressive law. He warned: “This law will be counterproductive for the government. What you now use for your benefit will eventually turn against you. We reject this law.”
Additionally, he criticized how the legislative process was rushed to pass the bill, Express News reported.
He noted that he showed up at an emergency session of the Interior Committee without any adequate information. “The Home Secretary arrived late and no proper explanation was given about the bill,” he said. “This is not how you should govern a country, silencing everyone.”
The Pakistani government has taken steps to strengthen the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) with new amendments targeting fake news and illegal online content.
The bill, titled Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, proposes strict penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs 2 million for spreading disinformation.
The amendments also outline the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have broad powers to regulate social media and online platforms.
The authority will be empowered to block or remove illegal content and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
The government says these changes are necessary to address the rise of fake news and hate speech, which have contributed to public unrest and social divisions.
While advocates of the legislation highlight its potential to curb online misinformation and ensure accountability, critics fear the law could lead to censorship or misuse by authorities.
