Senators pass controversial PECA Bill amid protests, boycott

Three-year jail for those spreading online disinformation: Rana Tanveer says PECA meant for those maligning people on social media: Journalists are not legislation’s target: Shibli Faraz says bill aimed at victimizing PTI 

By: News Desk
Published: 01:23 PM, 28 Jan, 2025
Senators pass controversial PECA Bill amid protests, boycott
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The Senate on Tuesday passed the Prevention Electronic Crimes ACT (PECA) Amendment Bill, 2025 with a majority amid noisy protests by the opposition and a boycott by the journalists, who walked out of the Press Gallery to register their protest, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Members, belonging to the opposition, also protested the passage of the bill by chanting, “It is a black law; therefore it is unacceptable”.   

The senators, belonging to the Awami National Party, staged a walkout. Aimal Wali Khan said that the purpose of the law was to stifle dissent by snatching from the people the freedom of expression. He went on to say that the media was not consulted on it. “We strongly oppose the bill.”

Earlier, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain presented the bill. 

The National Assembly and the Senate’s Standing Committee have already unanimously passed the bill.  

The Upper House criminalised online disinformation, passing legislation that enshrines punishments of up to three years in prison, a decision journalists say is designed to crack down on dissent.

The law targets anyone who "intentionally disseminates" information online that they have "reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest".

The amendments adds 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 Rs2 million, or both. 

The law was rushed through the National Assembly with little warning last week before being approved by the Senate on Tuesday as journalists walked out of the gallery in protest.

Expressing his views on the occasion, Rana Tanvir Hussain said that amendments could be made to the laws at any time. “They are not sacred like the verses of the holy Quran or Ahadith of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that they cannot be altered.”

He dispelled the impression that the law was aimed at targeting the people associated with the print and electronic media. “Its purpose is to tame those who indulge in the character assassination of people on social media,” he clarified. 

Referring to the speech made by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz, the minister said he had himself admitted there was so much immoral content on social media. “He has acknowledged that the previous PECA was not effective enough to prevent online trolling.”

He claimed that the opposition wholeheartedly supported the bill. “It criticizes the legislation just for the sake of criticism.” 

Earlier, Senator Shibli, who is also a senior PTI leader, in his speech, said that the only purpose of the law was to target the PTI. “The real issue is the use of this law. Laws are meant to give protection; not to take revenge on political opponents,” he said, and added, “The law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) will now pick up anyone they want, making an excuse that he or she has violated the PECA Amendment Bill, 2025.” 

He also pointed out that the government did not take journalists on board on the legislation.  

He, however, said nobody supported the spread of fake news and mudslinging on opponents. 

Journalists ‘betrayed, backstabbed’

Senior journalist Asif Bashir Chaudhry, a member of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, told AFP the government had assured reporters they would be consulted but said they were "betrayed and backstabbed". "We genuinely wanted a law against misinformation, but if it's not being done through open discussion but rather through fear and coercion, we will challenge it on every available platform," Chaudhry said.

"Even under dictatorships, legislation was not forcefully rammed through parliament the way this government is doing now."

The bill will now be forwarded to the president to be rubber-stamped.

Aviation sector being revamped, Senate told

The Senate was informed on Tuesday that aviation sector is being revamped to unlock its full potential.

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif told the House during Question Hour that it will also involve the induction of new aircraft.

The Defence Minister stated PIA is in the process of privatization and the lucrative routes, previously suspended for the national flag carrier, are gradually being reopened.

He also mentioned that a team belonging to the United Kingdom is currently in Pakistan to assess the country's aviation safety standards. He said PIA flights to the UK are expected to resume soon.

Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada informed the House that work on stalled housing projects will commence within six months.

He expressed regret over the delay on these projects in the past and highlighted that the Pakistan Housing Authority has started handing over apartments to its members.

Meanwhile, three bills were also laid before the House today.

These included the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Amendment Bill, 2025, the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Amendment Bill, 2025 and the Emigration Amendment Bill, 2025.

The Senate passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2025 which was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

In his remarks, the Law Minister said the bill is aimed at digitizing the whole system to align with the modern-day requirements.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the FBR was allowed to purchase vehicles for its field officers to enhance tax recovery. He said no supplementary grant has been given to the FBR for the purchase of these vehicles rather the revenue collection body will meet this expenditure from its own budget.

The Senate session has now been prorogued.

  

Reporter: Rozeena Ali