The president of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has decided to delay the signing of the controversial law of electronic prevention crimes after the concerns raised by journalists.
The Association of Parliamentary Reporters (PRA) expressed its opposition to the PCA law through Mauna Fazlur Rehman, who contacted the president. He urged the president to delay the signing of the bill until the concerns of journalists are approached properly, said Express News.
The sources say that President Asif Ali Zardari has delayed the bill for a time at the request of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, agreeing not to sign the project of amendment to amends, until the journalists’ concerns are addressed.
According to the sources, Maulana Fazlur Rehman informed the PRA about his communication with the president regarding the bill, said Express News.
The sources also mention that the discussions between the Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the journalists are underway before signing the PCA law, and a meeting is expected between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Association of Parliamentary Reporters soon.
Meanwhile, the Popular Party of Pakistan (PPP) said he was not aware of the lack of consultation on the controversial Law on Electronic Crime Prevention (amendment) 2025 (PCA) that he had supported in both cameras.
The vice president of PPP, Sherry Rehman, speaking with journalists in Islamabad, said Tuesday that they were told that all interested parties would be taken on board, “which as you can see did not happen.” She assured journalists the support of her party to support any amendment to this law proposed by media agencies.
The president of PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, also expressed the same concerns as Sherry, stating that it would have been better for this legislation if the organizations of journalists had been consulted to forge a consensus.
Previously, the Joint Action Committee of the media organists organized a protest demonstration against Karachi Press Club on Tuesday in response to an appeal of the Federation of Pakistan journalists (PFUJ) against a recent amendment in the Electronic Crimes Law of Pakistan (sin (sin).
Representatives of several media organizations, civil society groups, unions, groups of lawyers and teachers joined and supported the protest.
The PECA, a law promulgated in 2016, was approved by the lower and higher houses, aimed at addressing cybernetic crime and regulating electronic communication in Pakistan. It was intended to combat online crimes such as piracy, data theft and cyberbullying. Many journalists and media organizations have expressed concern regarding their implications on freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
“The Government has to learn the lessons, since it was previously used against the same party, which had approved the law in a hurry,” said Mazhar Abbas, main member of Pfuj.
What is sin?
The Pakistani government is strengthening the Law on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) with new amendments to address fake news and illegal online content. The Electronic Crime Prevention Law (amendment) proposal of 2025 introduces severe sanctions, including up to three years in prison and RS2 million fines for the misinformation of misinformation.
A key provision is the establishment of a digital rights protection authority (DRPA) in charge of regulating social media platforms and eliminating illegal content.
DRPA will have powers to investigate complaints, eliminate content and enforce digital ethics. The amendments also redefine social media platforms and demand compliance with social media companies, which may require registering and appointing local representatives.
While supporters believe that amendments are essential to combat false news and hate speeches, critics warn about possible censorship and misuse.
