The Federal Information Minister ATTA Tarar, on Wednesday said that the amendments to the Law on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PCA) and the establishment of a new national agency aim to address the growing digital threats, not suppressing freedom of expression.
Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said that the legislation is designed to improve responsibility in online space and protect vulnerable communities.
The minister’s comments come in the midst of growing concerns about freedom of expression in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had forbidden 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The prohibition had been imposed by a lower court after a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Research Agency (Nccia), which accused the channels of disseminating antistatal and defamatory content. The movement was enabled under the provisions of the pec.
“These laws are not destined to suppress freedom of expression,” he said. “Even the best democracies maintain justice and responsibility systems.”
He said that legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for vulnerable women and communities.
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“The digital space must protect, not endanger, those that are already at risk in society,” he added.
Tantar warned that the misuse of social networks raises one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a report from the World Economic Forum, he said that the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat.
“False news and propaganda are among the most dangerous problems faced by societies today,” he said. “Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms.”
He blamed all political parties for contributing to growth without control of erroneous information online and requested a national effort to promote responsible digital behavior.
The information minister pointed out the rapid expansion of social networks and the change in traditional printing to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little supervision.
He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness about social issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social networks should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue.
“Social networks should work in a new framework to address real social problems,” he concluded.
