Journalists, activists rally against Pakistani law to regulate social media

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Updated 29 January 2025
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Journalists, activists rally against Pakistani law to regulate social media

Journalists, activists rally against Pakistani law to regulate social media
  • Bill proposes Social Media Regulatory Authority to block illegal content, with disinformation punishable by up to three years in prison, $7,000 fine
  • Government officials say the law will not affect working journalists or mainstream media, only those spreading ‘fake news’ on online platforms

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani journalists and rights activists on Tuesday described a new law passed by both houses of parliament and aimed at regulating social media content as an attack on freedom of expression, with hundreds of journalists and activists protesting against the legislation in the federal capital and other cities. 

The law, which amends the much-criticized Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in 2016, would establish the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority to perform a range of functions related to social media, including being able to order the immediate blocking of unlawful content targeting judges, the armed forces, parliament or provincial assemblies or material that promotes and encourages terrorism and other forms of violence against the state or its institutions. The authority would have its own investigation agency and tribunals. Those found to have disseminated false or fake information face prison sentences of up to three years and fines of two million rupees ($7,200).

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) led rallies in cities including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore on Tuesday to demand the government withdraw the bill, which has been passed by the National Assembly and Senate but has yet to be signed into law by the president.

“We do not accept this amendment bill … this law curtails our freedom of press and freedom of expression,” PFUJ secretary general Nasir Zaidi told Arab News at the protest in Islamabad.

“This is the darkest day in the history of journalism and the history of freedom of journalists, against which we are protesting.”

Zaidi explained that the new law would establish four regulatory authorities for social media platforms, digital platforms and even electronic media.

Journalist and anchorwoman Asma Shirazi blamed the government for bulldozing the legislation through the parliament without consulting stakeholders. 

“We all agree that there should be some legislation [to curb fake news] but the stakeholders must be taken on board and they must be consulted in the legislation formation,” she told Arab News.

Usama Khilji, a director at Bolo Bhi, a digital rights advocacy forum, said the law posed a threat to Pakistani citizens, especially journalists and social media users who expressed their views online. 

“Four new bodies related to social media, including a tribunal and an authority, are all appointed by the government and the government can fire the chairperson at any point [under new law],” Khilji said. “What we also see is a three-year jail term for sharing false or fake information but that is a very broad and vague definition.”

Khilji said the law granted regulatory authorities the power to block entire social media platforms legally. 

“The broad powers that have been given will have a far-ranging impact,” he said.

Khilji also said the new law risked Pakistan’s GSP plus trade status with the European Union, under which it gets preferential access to markets for implementing international conventions on human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, and good governance.

Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, who moved the bill, said the law would not apply to TV channels or newspapers but only to “miscreants” spreading false news on social media platforms.

“Even the opposition during their speeches in the house essentially acknowledged the need for the PECA law,” he said. “They admitted that there is a lot of filth online that needs to be addressed.”

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar told reporters after the passage of the bill by the lower house of parliament last week that it would not apply to “working journalists”: 

“This is the first time the government has defined what social media is. There is already a system in place for print and electronic media and complaints can be registered against them.”

The information minister said the law had to be passed because the Federal Investigation Agency, previously responsible for handling cybercrime, “does not have the capacity to handle child pornography or AI deep fake cases.”

Tarar added that the government was also aiming to bring social media journalists, including those operating YouTube accounts, under the tax framework.

The operative part of the new bill outlines that the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority would have the power to issue directions to a social media platform for the removal or blocking of online content if it was against the ideology of Pakistan, incited the public to violate the law or take the law in own hands with a view to coerce, intimidate or terrorize the public, individuals, groups, communities, government officials and institutions, incited the public to cause damage to governmental or private property or coerced or intimidated the public and thereby prevented them from carrying on their lawful trade and disrupted civic life.

The authority will also crackdown on anyone inciting hatred and contempt on a religious, sectarian or ethnic basis as well as against obscene or pornographic content and deep fakes. 

Rights activists say the new bill is part of a widespread digital crackdown that includes a ban on X since February last year, restrictions on VPN use and the implementation of a national firewall. 

The government denies the measures are aimed at censorship.


Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy
Updated 11 February 2025
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Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan inaugurates newly renovated Karachi stadium ahead of Champions Trophy
  • In addition to new pavilion, 350 LED lights, two digital replay screens and over 5,000 new chairs have been installed at the stadium
  • Champions Trophy will be staged from Feb. 19 to Mar. 9 in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, while India will play their matches in the UAE

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday opened the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi, ahead of the 50-over Champions Trophy tournament.
The facility features world-class dressing rooms for players and match officials, complemented by high-quality hospitality rooms, according to the PCB.
In addition to the new pavilion, 350 LED lights and two digital replay screens have been installed at the stadium to improve broadcast quality, besides the addition of over 5,000 new chairs to enhance spectator comfort.
The eight-team Champions Trophy will be staged from February 19 to March 9 in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, although arch-rival India’s matches will be staged in the United Arab Emirates after they refused to play in Pakistan.
“This upgrade is a testament to our vision of elevating Pakistan’s cricketing venues to international standards,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement.
“The National Bank Stadium, which last saw a major overhaul during the 1996 World Cup, now stands as a modern, world-class facility that will not only host domestic and international matches but also provide players and fans with a top-tier experience.”
Pakistan last held a major tournament in 1996, when it co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, before a forced hiatus over security concerns.
Nearly 5,000 dedicated workers contributed tirelessly to transforming the Karachi stadium, ensuring its full operational readiness for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Naqvi said the “incredible” workforce behind the stadium’s transformation deserved immense appreciation.
“Their hard work has made it possible for us to proudly present the National Bank Stadium as a world-class venue, ready to welcome top cricketing action,” he added.
Last week, Pakistan also opened the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after a 117-day renovation work, during which LED floodlights, larger score screens, new hospitality boxes and upgraded seating were installed.


Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay

Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay
Updated 11 February 2025
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Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay

Pakistan and Uganda challenge World Anti-Doping Agency listings, review clears Uruguay
  • All three were put on WADA's watchlist in September 2024 over "outstanding non-conformities" to the agency's updated anti-doping code
  • The Olympic committees of Pakistan and Uganda have notified WADA they plan to "dispute the allegations of non-compliance against them

MONTREAL: The World Anti-Doping Agency's announced Friday that a review committee recommended the removal of Uruguay from its compliance watchlist, while Pakistan and Uganda vowed to fight accusations of code violations.
All three were put on WADA's watchlist in September 2024 over "outstanding non-conformities" to the agency's updated anti-doping code.
Some of the states' legislation was also alleged to be in conflict with those rules.
In a statement, WADA said Uruguay's national anti-doping organization provided information and documentation that showed "critical corrective actions had now been corrected in full."
As such, the agency's Compliance Review Committee recommended the withdrawal of a notice of non-compliance against Uruguay.
If the Executive Committee agrees, there would be no sanctions applied to Uruguay.
The Olympic committees of Pakistan and Uganda, meanwhile, notified WADA they plan to "dispute the allegations of non-compliance against them, as well as the proposed consequences, and the conditions of reinstatement," the global anti-doping body said.
The two cases would be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for consideration "in due course."
No penalties will be imposed until the court rules.
There are currently four signatories to WADA's code that are non-compliant: Cameroon and Russia, the International Federation of Basque Pelota and the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.
Sanctions bar non-compliant nations or organizations from hosting major sporting events and from flying their flag at sporting events.


Pakistan press club sues critic for defamation under controversial cybercrime law

Pakistan press club sues critic for defamation under controversial cybercrime law
Updated 11 February 2025
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Pakistan press club sues critic for defamation under controversial cybercrime law

Pakistan press club sues critic for defamation under controversial cybercrime law
  • President of the Mardan Press Club says the accused had attacked members with ‘highly inappropriate language’
  • Journalist leaders say case should have been registered under other laws, not Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act

KARACHI: A journalists’ club in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has filed a case against a critic over alleged defamation under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which Pakistani journalist bodies have challenged in courts.
The Mardan Press Club (MPC) alleged that Zahid Khan, who manages a Facebook page under his name and claims to be associated with ‘Daily Nida-e-Watan’ and ‘Piyam-e-Khyber’ newspapers, had been running a “defamatory and negative propaganda campaign” against the club and its members for several years. The First Information Report (FIR), registered against Khan under sections 506 and 500 of the Pakistan Penal Code as well as the PECA law, says the accused had been using “highly inappropriate language repeatedly” against MPC members.
The Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, enacted on January 29, includes provisions making the dissemination of “fake or false” information a criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison without clearly defining “fake or false” news. Journalists and digital rights experts say they were excluded from consultations on the bill, which prevented genuine public scrutiny of the new law, and have challenged it in courts.
The PECA amendments aim to create four new regulatory bodies to regulate online content and broaden the definition of online harm. The regulatory bodies will be authorized to block and remove content based on ambiguous criteria that do not meet the standards of proportionality and necessity required under international human rights law, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International rights groups have said.
“Zahid had applied for the club’s membership, but the governing body rejected his application, deeming him unqualified for the membership,” Muhammad Riaz Khan Mayar, the MPC president, told Arab News.
“Following this, he approached the civil court and then the high court, but both forums dismissed his petition. After that, he started launching personal attacks against the press club and its members on social media, using highly inappropriate language repeatedly.”
Mayar said his press club shared concerns of Pakistani journalist bodies about the PECA law.
“The press club cannot engage in fights but has the right to seek legal recourse against persistent defamation and personal attacks,” he argued, saying that PECA was used only because it is currently in effect.
While journalist leaders supported legal action against the accused for alleged defamation, they criticized the invoking of PECA by the complainants.
AH Khanzada, secretary-general of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), said the FIR should have been registered against relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, and not the PECA law.
“The journalists of the country firmly stand against the PECA law which we strongly believe has been enacted and later amendments were made to target freedom of speech and freedom of press,” Khanzada said.
“We will continue our struggle against the law, which we have no doubt is meant to suppress our voice. As we stand with Mardan Press Club against those attacking it, we believe that registering FIR under the PECA law is totally wrong.”
He urged the press club management to take back the complaint and register it, if at all necessary, under other laws.
Fazil Jamili, president of the Karachi Press Club, echoed the concerns.
“We, the journalists, strongly oppose the PECA law and no case, against anyone, should be registered under it,” Jamili told Arab News. “We also believe that the press club had every right to adopt legal course against a person who had been making personal attacks on its office bearers and members, but it should be registered under other defamation laws instead of PECA.”


Pakistan PM uses World Governments Summit to call for independent state of Palestine

Pakistan PM uses World Governments Summit to call for independent state of Palestine
Updated 11 February 2025
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Pakistan PM uses World Governments Summit to call for independent state of Palestine

Pakistan PM uses World Governments Summit to call for independent state of Palestine
  • Gaza war has been paused since January 19 under ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas
  • Palestinian territory, encompassing Gaza Strip and West Bank, has been occupied by Israel since 1967

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday used the pulpit at the World Governments Summit in Dubai to call for the creation of an independent state of Palestine, saying it was the only path toward a “durable and just peace.”
The latest Gaza war, which began after an Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, has been paused since Jan. 19 under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that was brokered by Qatar and Egypt with support from the United States.
More than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, the Gaza health ministry says, and nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million population has been internally displaced by the conflict, which has caused a hunger crisis.
Some 1,200 people were killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities and about 250 were taken to Gaza as hostages, Israeli tallies show.
“This gathering could not have come at a more opportune time as the region begins to recover from the tumultuous aftershocks of the tragic conflict in Gaza, which has claimed [lives of] over 50,000 innocent Palestinians,” Sharif said as he addressed the WSG.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the audience at the plenary hall during the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 11, 2025. (AFP)

“It is now our hope that the genocidal operation will be followed by a lasting peace. However, Pakistan believes that durable and just peace is only possible through a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions, that is the creation of an independent state of Palestine, with pre-1967 boundaries and Al-Quds as its capital.”
Palestinian territory – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has consistently called for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters.”


In unprecedented development, Pakistan chief justice meets visiting IMF team

In unprecedented development, Pakistan chief justice meets visiting IMF team
Updated 11 February 2025
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In unprecedented development, Pakistan chief justice meets visiting IMF team

In unprecedented development, Pakistan chief justice meets visiting IMF team
  • Discusses judicial reforms, accountability, recent restructuring of commission that recommends judges to superior courts
  • Finance ministry said on Sunday IMF mission would visit Pakistan to conduct Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment

KARACHI: In a rare development on Tuesday, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation visiting Pakistan met the country’s chief justice for discussions on judicial reforms, accountability and the recent controversial restructuring of a commission that recommends judges for Pakistan’s superior courts.
The finance ministry said on Sunday a three-member IMF mission would visit Pakistan in the coming week to conduct a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment under the country’s 2024 Extended Fund Facility program for a $7 billion loan. The ministry said the mission’s report would recommend actions for addressing corruption vulnerabilities and strengthening integrity and governance, with the findings helping to shape structural reforms.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court said in a press release the IMF team led by Joel Turkewitz had met with Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.
The statement quoted the CJ as saying he would be “quite guarded” in his comments to the IMF team and the judiciary was “not used to direct interaction with such missions,” but it was taking place on the request of the finance division.
“He then highlighted key Constitutional developments with respect to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan and reforms, including senior-level judicial appointments, judicial accountability, and the restructuring of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). He elaborated on the merits of integrating the judiciary and the parliamentary committee to ensure a more transparent and efficient judicial selection process,” the SC statement said.
Discussions during the meeting also centered on judicial accountability and mechanisms for addressing complaints against judges.
“The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of a robust and fair accountability process to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary,” the statement said.
Mahir Binici, the IMF resident representative in Pakistan, said the mission is visiting Pakistan till Feb. 14 to prepare the way for a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA) to assess governance and corruption vulnerabilities, and propose recommendations to foster good governance such as promoting public sector transparency, accountability and integrity.
“The IMF team will meet with a range of stakeholders during the scoping mission, including Finance Division, Federal Board of Revenue, State Bank of Pakistan, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Auditor General of Pakistan, and the Ministry of Law and Justice, as well as representatives from the business community, civil society, and international partners,” Binici said in a statement.
The finance ministry statement on Sunday had said the focus of the visiting mission would be to “examine the severity of corruption vulnerabilities across six core state functions.”
“These include fiscal governance, central bank governance and operations, financial sector oversight, market regulation, rule of law, and Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism,” it read.
The finance ministry said the IMF had long provided advice and technical assistance to foster good governance such as promoting public sector transparency and accountability.
“Traditionally the IMF’s main focus has been on encouraging countries to correct macroeconomic imbalances, reduce inflation, and undertake key trade, exchange, and other market reforms needed to improve efficiency and support sustained economic growth,” the finance ministry said on Feb. 9.
“While these remain its main focus in all its member countries, however the IMF has found that a much broader range of institutional reforms is needed if countries are to establish and maintain private sector confidence and thereby lay the basis for sustained growth.”
The IMF identified that promoting good governance in all its aspects, including ensuring the rule of law, improving the efficiency and accountability of the public sector, and tackling corruption, “are essential elements of a framework within which economies can prosper,” the ministry said, welcoming the IMF’s technical support and saying the assessment would aid efforts to promote transparency and institutional capacity.
The South Asian country, currently bolstered by a $7 billion IMF facility granted in September, is navigating an economic recovery.
The IMF is set to review Pakistan’s progress by March, with the government and central bank expressing confidence about meeting its targets.