LAHORE: Punjab has unveiled the draft of the ‘Punjab Cybercrime Control Act 2024,’ which proposes severe penalties ranging from 3 months to 14 years for various cybercrimes.
This landmark legislation is set to establish the province’s first dedicated cybercrime agency, marking a significant step in addressing digital offenses.
The draft will soon be presented to the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs of the Punjab Cabinet for initial approval. The proposed Act includes stringent measures against cyber terrorism, child pornography, and sexual exploitation, classifying these offenses as non-bailable and providing protections for victims and witnesses.
The legislation will introduce specialized courts for cybercrime cases, working alongside the federal ‘PECA’ Act. It grants the provincial government authority to investigate and prosecute a range of cybercrimes, including illegal data access, child sexual abuse content, and financial fraud.
The Punjab Cybercrime Control Act 2024 aims to tackle issues such as hate speech, terrorism-related activities, electronic forgery, unauthorized SIM issuance, and cyberbullying. The Act is designed to bolster the provincial government’s ability to combat and prevent illegal activities involving information systems and digital communications.
