Will PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battle

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published February 06, 2025 at 08:25 pm |  JP Special Report

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ISLAMABAD—On Thursday, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court challenging the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025 (PECA). PFUJ President Afzal Butt, through Advocate Imran Shafiq, argued that the law undermines press freedom and violates constitutional guarantees under Articles 19 and 19A. The petition calls for a judicial review and demands the law’s suspension, condemning it as an unconstitutional mechanism for state censorship. Meanwhile, journalists and press freedom organizations across Pakistan continue to protest the law’s far-reaching implications for media independence and democratic discourse.

The PECA Act 2025: A Tool for Suppression

The PECA amendments have been widely criticized for their draconian approach to regulating digital content. A major concern is the establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, a body that places enormous power in the hands of government-appointed officials, including the Interior Secretary and PTA Chairman. This Authority, rather than serving as an independent regulatory body, acts as a state-controlled mechanism to monitor and suppress free expression in digital spaces.

One of the most alarming aspects of the law is the criminalization of so-called “fake news.” With penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of Rs 2 million, the law provides the government with the means to arbitrarily target journalists, critics, and independent media outlets. The vague language used to define fake news leaves room for selective and politically motivated prosecutions.

Additionally, the law mandates a 24-hour content removal provision, allowing authorities to erase information deemed objectionable without transparency or due process. This effectively silences dissent, investigative journalism, and political criticism—fundamental pillars of democratic governance.

Widespread Condemnation and Resistance

The passage of PECA 2025 in the Senate last month triggered widespread outrage among journalist unions, civil society groups, and international press freedom organizations. Protests erupted nationwide, with journalists denouncing the law as a direct assault on freedom of speech.

The PFUJ’s legal challenge has garnered significant support from rights groups, who argue that PECA is a blatant attempt to stifle independent reporting. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has since announced the formation of a sub-committee to review the law, but critics remain skeptical about meaningful reform.

International Implications for Pakistan

The enactment of PECA 2025 could have serious repercussions for Pakistan on the global stage. The country already ranks poorly on international press freedom indexes, and further media suppression could invite diplomatic criticism and economic consequences. International human rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have warned that such repressive legislation could damage Pakistan’s reputation and lead to strained relations with democratic nations advocating free speech.

Additionally, Pakistan’s digital economy could suffer as tech companies reconsider operations in a heavily regulated digital environment. Stricter content controls may deter investment and innovation, ultimately harming Pakistan’s standing as a developing digital hub.

Will the Government Repeal PECA 2025?

While opposition to PECA 2025 is growing, the likelihood of the government retracting the law remains uncertain. Historically, restrictive media laws have been met with fierce resistance but rarely repealed without substantial pressure. The judiciary’s stance on PFUJ’s petition will be crucial in determining the law’s fate. If the court rules in favor of press freedom, it could set a precedent for future legislative challenges.

However, without sustained activism, legal pressure, and international intervention, the government may continue to use PECA as a tool to suppress dissent. The fate of the law now rests on the collective resistance of journalists, civil society, and the judiciary’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights.

Proposed Solutions

To protect press freedom and uphold democratic values, the following actions must be taken:

• Judicial Review and Legislative Oversight: The Islamabad High Court must critically assess the constitutional violations embedded in PECA 2025 and ensure that any law regulating digital content aligns with democratic principles.
• Independent Regulatory Body: Any regulatory authority overseeing digital media must operate independently of government control to ensure fairness and accountability.
• Clear Definitions and Legal Safeguards: Vague terms such as “fake news” must be clearly defined, with strict legal safeguards to prevent misuse against journalists.
• International Advocacy: Pakistan’s press freedom advocates must engage with international organizations to highlight the dangers of PECA 2025 and urge global support against media suppression.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the consequences of digital censorship and mobilizing public opinion can help create pressure on lawmakers to reconsider the law.

The PECA Act 2025 represents a dire threat to press freedom in Pakistan, granting the state unchecked power to silence dissent and control digital expression. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists’ legal challenge is a crucial step toward resisting authoritarian censorship. With continued activism, judicial scrutiny, and international support, Pakistan can work towards protecting press freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of state reprisal.