PFUJ challenges PECA amendments in IHC

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court challenging the recent amendments to the country's cybercrime law, calling for them to be struck down as “unconstitutional.” The Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, enacted on January 29, introduces provisions that make the dissemination of "fake or false" information a criminal offence, punishable by up to three years in prison, without a clear definition of what constitutes "fake or false" news. Journalists and digital rights experts have expressed concern over the lack of consultation during the drafting of the bill, arguing that it stifles public scrutiny and infringes on fundamental rights. They also pointed to the broad powers granted to government bodies under the amendments to regulate online content, which could lead to increased censorship. The amendments establish four new government bodies with the authority to block and remove online content based on vague criteria, prompting human rights organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to raise concerns about potential violations of international human rights law. The PFUJ petition to the court argues that the amended law violates constitutional guarantees, including due process and fair trial rights. It seeks to prevent the government from using "coercive powers" against journalists under the new law, listing several government bodies as respondents, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Under the amendments, a new Social Media Protection Tribunal will be formed with government-appointed members, raising concerns about the independence of the body. Another body, the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority, will be able to order the removal or blocking of content deemed "against the ideology of Pakistan" or "fake or false," as well as impose conditions on social media companies. The amendments were introduced amid increasing concerns over the crackdown on digital speech in Pakistan, including frequent internet shutdowns and throttling of networks. The government has also been working on implementing a national firewall, despite denials that the moves are aimed at censorship.

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