On February 11, the Minister for Law and Justice, Azam Nazir Tarar, indicated potential amendments to the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, following widespread concerns.

Minister Tarar noted discussions involving the Interior Ministry and Information Ministry and stakeholders were in progress to address the reservations concerning PECA. He said that further amendments could proceed to Parliament after reaching a consensus.

Previously, on February 6, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting decided to set up a sub-committee specifically to engage with journalists and address their concerns regarding PECA. This decision was made during a committee meeting chaired by MNA Phullain Baloch, who affirmed the commitment to resolving journalists’ grievances through direct dialogue.

This development comes amidst ongoing protests from the journalist community. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also voiced its apprehensions regarding PECA, demanding a thorough debate in the Senate. The HRCP stressed that the enforcement of this bill could target newsmen and political and social activists, highlighting that the bill imposes unnecessarily harsh penalties, including a potential three-year jail term, and restricts fundamental human rights by focusing on the suppression of fake or false news.

Photo: ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN, MAR 23: Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam
Nazeer Tarar addresses to media persons during press conference, in Islamabad on Thursday,
March 23, 2023. (PPI Images).