The National Assembly approves the PECA reform bill despite opposition protests.

The National Assembly approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) law 2025, commonly referred to as the PECA law, with a majority vote on Thursday.

The amending bill was swiftly adopted following its presentation by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, as the opposing parties had previously executed a walkout.

Journalists additionally orchestrated a walkout from the press gallery in opposition to the bill’s enactment.

The legislation seeks to govern social media and digital content within the nation.

The bill proposes the establishment of a new entity, the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), tasked with regulating online material and safeguarding users’ digital rights.

The DRPA will possess the authority to eliminate internet content, restrict access to unlawful or obscene materials, and initiate actions against persons disseminating such content.

The legislation further delineates social media platforms, encompassing websites, applications, and communication methods. The DRPA will be tasked with advancing digital literacy, conducting research, and managing social media platforms, while protecting the online safety and security of users.

The authority would have the capability to register social media platforms and establish operational conditions for them in Pakistan.

The legislation additionally establishes new sanctions for disseminating misleading material online, with a three-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs2 million.

A tribunal for the protection of social media will be instituted to adjudicate claims about online content. The tribunal must resolve cases within 90 days.

The legislation additionally mandates the creation of a National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to examine cybercrime incidents.

The bill’s approval has encountered resistance from journalists and opponents, who contend that it will curtail freedom of expression and grant authorities disproportionate powers to monitor internet information.