The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill despite strong objections from journalist organizations.
The session, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Umar Farooq, Kamran Murtaza, Palwasha Khan, and Mir Dostain Hassan Domki. Journalist representatives raised concerns about the bill, arguing it would limit press freedom and contains several flaws.
The chairman urged journalists to submit their complaints in writing. Senator Irfan Siddiqui pointed out that no special law was needed to detain individuals, citing his personal arrest under tenancy laws.
He also mentioned that certain amendments had been made during discussions with the Information Minister and additional changes might be considered in the National Assembly. Despite opposition from JUI-F lawmaker Kamran Murtaza, the Senate body approved the bill.
On January 23, the National Assembly passed the PECA Amendment Bill, 2025, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at regulating social media in Pakistan.
The bill, introduced by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer, proposes the creation of a new authority to oversee social media platforms and safeguard users’ rights. This authority will have the power to regulate and register social media platforms, enforce actions against violators, and remove illegal content when necessary.
