After National Assembly, Controversial PECA Amendments Pass Senate Amid Chaotic Protests

The Senate on Tuesday, passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) Bill, 2025, which includes provisions to penalize the dissemination of “fake news” online.

The amendments add Section 26(A) to Peca, which seeks to penalise perpetrators of “fake news” online. It says anyone who intentionally spreads, displays, or transmits false information likely to cause fear, panic, or unrest in society may face up to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 2 million, or both. The bill now awaits the president’s assent to become law.

The bill was presented by Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, in the session chaired by Senate Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar.

Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that it aims to address issues related to social media and is not intended to target journalists or traditional media outlets. He emphasized that the government had engaged with opposition members during discussions in standing committees.

The opposition, particularly members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), voiced strong objections during the Senate session, claiming that the amendments were designed to target specific political entities rather than protect citizens.

Journalists staged a walkout in protest, with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announcing a nationwide strike to oppose the amendments, arguing they violate constitutional rights and suppress freedom of speech.

The PECA Amendment Bill has been described as “draconian” by critics who fear it will lead to increased censorship and a chilling effect on free expression online. The establishment of a new authority tasked with regulating social media and handling complaints about false information raises concerns about the potential misuse of power against dissenting voices.

ANP’s Aimal Wali criticized the PECA amendment bill, calling it a “draconian law” that restricts freedom of speech. “The bill smells of boots,” he remarked before walking out of the House with his party members.

Journalists also staged a walkout from the Senate gallery as the bill was presented for approval.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, expressed frustration over the lack of consultation in drafting the legislation. “They should have consulted stakeholders concerned with the PECA amendment bill,” he said.

JUI-F member Kamran Murtaza criticized the standing committee’s report, noting that his proposed amendments to the PECA Act were neither accepted nor rejected.

PPP’s Hussain suggested that any shortcomings in the bill could be addressed with future amendments. “What law is implemented in its true form and not misused?” he asked.

Faraz further condemned the bill’s procedure, stating that no stakeholders were involved. “Neither an organization is established nor a judge appointed for cases under it,” he added.

PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar accused the government of silencing dissent. “You give no importance to the opposition,” he said.

Amid opposition protests, the Senate approved the Digital Nation Pakistan bill, tabled by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar. The clause-wise approval ignored opposition demands for a debate. Tarar defended the bill, stating it aims to digitize the system to meet modern-day requirements.

JUI-F’s Murtaza argued that the bill interfered with provincial jurisdictions. His proposed amendments were rejected after opposition from the law minister.

Opposition senators, led by PTI and ANP, protested before the deputy chairman’s dais, with Faraz accusing the government of “bulldozing bills.”

During the session, Senator Falak Naz Chitrali’s heated exchange with the Senate secretary led the deputy chairman to warn her. Chitrali responded by accusing him of issuing threats.