Pakistan Parliament Passes Controversial Social Media Control Bill Amidst Opposition Walkout and Journalist Protests
Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a contentious amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) on Thursday, granting the government extensive authority over social media platforms and imposing stricter penalties for disseminating disinformation. The bill, passed amidst a walkout by opposition members and protests by journalists, introduces provisions for imprisoning individuals for up to three years for spreading "fake news" and establishes a new regulatory body with sweeping powers to control online content. The opposition and media organizations have condemned the legislation as a blatant attempt to stifle freedom of expression and suppress dissent.
The amendment introduces Section 26(A) to PECA, criminalizing the intentional dissemination of false information that could incite fear, panic, or disorder. This provision carries a potential penalty of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs2 million. The bill also establishes the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, granting it far-reaching powers to regulate, enlist, and even block social media platforms. This authority can demand the removal of content deemed against Pakistan’s ideology, inciting violence, or containing obscenity, among other criteria.
The proposed legislation mandates social media platforms to register with the authority and comply with its directives within 24 hours. It further empowers the authority to impose additional conditions on these platforms. The bill also prohibits the streaming of expunged parliamentary proceedings and statements by proscribed organizations. Social media platforms are required to establish transparent complaint mechanisms for users to report unlawful or offensive content. A Social Media Complaint Council will be constituted to address these complaints.
The opposition, led by supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, staged a walkout to protest against the bill, denouncing it as an attempt to curtail fundamental rights and silence critical voices. Omar Ayub Khan, a prominent opposition figure, warned that the legislation could pave the way for the suppression of constitutional rights. Journalists also staged a walkout from the press gallery, expressing their strong disapproval of the bill’s potential implications for media freedom.
Media organizations and journalists’ unions have vehemently criticized the proposed law. Afzal Butt, president of the Federal Union of Journalists, labeled it an attempt to muzzle the media, social media, and journalists. This move comes amidst a backdrop of increasing censorship faced by Pakistani media, including pressure to avoid mentioning Imran Khan’s name directly. Human rights defenders and journalists’ unions have pledged to oppose the law, despite the government’s majority ensuring its likely passage.
The government defends the legislation as necessary to combat the spread of disinformation and maintain public order. However, critics argue that the broadly defined provisions could be easily misused to suppress legitimate criticism and dissent. The bill now awaits approval by the Senate and presidential assent before becoming law. The opposition’s walkout highlights the deep divisions over the bill and the growing concerns about the shrinking space for freedom of expression in Pakistan. The legislation’s ultimate impact on the media landscape and the fundamental rights of citizens remains to be seen.