Islamabad, Jan 31: Participants at a consultation organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have strongly condemned the recently passed Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) (Amendment) Act 2025, arguing that it severely curtails freedom of expression. The law, they warned, threatens not just the press but also ordinary social media users.
The consultation brought together key figures from legal, media, and human rights organizations. Among the attendees were Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Mian Rauf Atta, senior SCBA lawyer Abid Saqi, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) president Afzal Butt, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) president Tariq Ali Virk, RIUJ general secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, WAJAH founder Fauzia Kulsoom Rana, and PPP senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro. Prominent journalists Hamid Mir and Matiullah Jan, along with HRCP Council members Nasir Zaidi, Farhatullah Babar, and Nida Aly, also voiced their concerns. Former HRCP chairperson Afrasiab Khattak was also among the speakers.
Moderated by HRCP co-chair Munizae Jahangir, the session featured presentations by Bolo Bhi director Usama Khilji, AGHS representative Ans Waqi, and lawyer Salahuddin Ahmed. Participants expressed deep disappointment that political parties, which had previously criticized earlier versions of PECA, had hastily passed the latest amendment without due consideration for its consequences. They demanded clarity on these parties’ stance regarding freedom of expression and accused them of yielding to establishment pressures.
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While acknowledging the dangers of misinformation, speakers emphasized that any legal response must balance these concerns with constitutional rights.
They warned that the vague and over-broad definition of ‘fake news’ could be weaponized to stifle dissent. Additionally, they raised alarm over a provision allowing any person—rather than only an aggrieved party—to file complaints, opening the door to potential misuse and legal harassment.
The consultation concluded with a unanimous resolution to form a broad coalition in defense of free speech. This coalition will include organizations such as the PFUJ, SCBA, HRCP, Digital Media Alliance for Pakistan, Freedom Network, IRADA, WAJAH, Bolo Bhi, and the Anchors Association of Pakistan. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to resisting legal curbs on free expression and vowed to campaign for the repeal of restrictive amendments to PECA.
