On May 29, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called for the complete repeal of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) (Amendment) Act 2025, citing serious threats to constitutional freedoms and civic space.

In a report unveiled during an advocacy meeting, HRCP highlighted multiple flaws in the recently amended law. The report was presented by digital rights advocate Farieha Aziz and forms part of HRCP’s Legislation Watch Cell’s ongoing monitoring of legal developments impacting human rights.

The meeting began with HRCP Director Farah Zia noting a growing trend of restrictive legislation. She said such laws were increasingly used to curtail dissent and suppress freedom of expression.

Farieha Aziz, who authored the report, said the amended PECA law criminalizes vague terms such as “fake and false information,” punishable by up to three years in prison. She further stated that the legislation creates a regulatory authority, a complaints council, and a tribunal—all under significant executive influence.

The report also noted that previously bailable and non-cognizable offences have been reclassified as non-bailable and cognizable, expanding the possibility of coercive legal action. Additionally, it flagged the replacement of the Federal Investigation Agency by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, which it claimed lacks adequate legal safeguards.

Journalist Adnan Rehmat, addressing the meeting, said the state is responsible for protecting citizens’ rights. He called for the decriminalization of speech and urged engagement with political parties through broader representation.

Saleem Shahid, another journalist, criticised the PECA Amendment Act for undermining constitutional guarantees to free speech and access to information. He called on journalists and civil society to coordinate efforts to defend these rights.

Former BNP-M legislator Sanaullah Baloch stressed that freedom of expression remains central to the strength of parliamentary democracy.

HRCP Co-Chairperson Munizae Jahangir drew attention to internet restrictions and pressures on journalists in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Journalist Asad Ali Toor shared that his family’s bank accounts had been frozen, allegedly in relation to his professional activities. Jahangir referred to such actions as “economic terrorism.”

Digital rights activists Usama Khilji and Aftab Alam proposed forming a national coalition including journalists, civil society, and rights defenders to address increasing restrictions on expression and opinion. Their proposal received support from HRCP Council Member Farhatullah Babar, who also underscored the importance of countering disinformation while defending fundamental freedoms.

The meeting concluded with HRCP Islamabad Vice-Chair Nasreen Azhar recommending that the proposed coalition identify all laws inconsistent with constitutionally guaranteed rights.