The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, without facing opposition, sparking strong criticism from journalist organizations. The bill, which introduces changes to the existing law, was approved within minutes after being presented by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain. Opposition parties had already staged a walkout, leaving no resistance to the bill’s passage.
The new legislation includes updated definitions, the creation of regulatory and investigative bodies, and stricter penalties for spreading “false” information online. According to the draft, individuals found guilty of intentionally disseminating false information could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both. Section 26A of the bill states that anyone who knowingly spreads false information likely to cause fear, panic, or unrest in society will be subject to these penalties.
Journalist organizations, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, and Pakistan Broadcasters Association, have strongly opposed the amendments. Hours before the bill was passed, these groups had rejected the proposed changes, citing concerns over press freedom and the potential misuse of the law.
PFUJ Secretary General Arshad Ansari criticized the swift approval of the bill and announced plans to challenge it in court. Speaking to Geo News, Ansari also revealed that journalists would stage protests and boycott assembly sessions in response to the amendments.
The government has defended the changes, stating that the amendments aim to address the growing issue of misinformation online. However, journalist bodies argue that the law could be used to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression.
The passage of the bill has further strained relations between the government and the media, with journalist organizations vowing to resist the amendments through legal and public demonstrations
