ISLAMABAD: Senior PPP leader and former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani criticized the National Assembly’s hasty passage of amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) on Friday, warning the move would stifle freedom of expression.
This criticism comes despite the PPP supporting the bill in the NA session the previous day.
Rabbani expressed concern that the new Section 26(A) of PECA, which criminalizes the dissemination of “fake news,” would empower the government to suppress dissent. Under the provision, anyone found spreading false information intended to cause fear, unrest, or societal disorder could face imprisonment of up to three years, fines of Rs2 million, or both.
In his statement, Rabbani said, “The bill will scuttle freedom of expression by setting up authorities under executive control.” He also condemned the creation of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs), including members from unnamed intelligence agencies, to monitor journalists, social media users, and the public.
He criticized the government for failing to consult stakeholders before introducing the bill and accused it of breaching commitments made to elected journalist bodies. “Bulldozing such legislation weakens an already redundant parliament,” he said, calling for amendments in the Senate to involve stakeholders in the legislative process.
The amendments have drawn widespread criticism from journalists and rights groups, who argue the law further erodes press freedoms and gives sweeping powers to intelligence agencies.
PPP Human Rights Cell President Farhatullah Babar echoed Rabbani’s concerns, stating, “These changes will enlarge the footprint of unaccountable intelligence agencies and give sweeping powers to the executive over both the message and the messenger.”
A coalition of journalists and media organizations has vowed to challenge the amendments in court and organize protests against the legislation.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the legislation, claiming it primarily targets social media users spreading baseless allegations rather than professional journalists. “You cannot post anything on digital media without consequences,” he said, explaining that traditional media outlets will remain governed by existing mechanisms under PEMRA’s council.
While Tarar promised that the bill would spare mainstream media, critics argue that the legislation risks creating an environment of censorship and fear across all platforms.
