The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendments Act 2025 has officially come into effect across Pakistan after receiving assent from President Asif Ali Zardari.
The ‘controversial’ law follows its approval by both the Senate and National Assembly, despite strong objections from the journalist community.
On January 28, the Senate passed the PECA Amendments Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior.
Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, presented the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
In his remarks, Minister Hussain stated that the bill aims to address issues related to social media and assured that it is not targeted at journalists working for television and newspapers.
Despite this, journalist organizations across Pakistan have staged protests, demanding the government reconsider the legislation.
The Establishment Division has issued a gazette notification to formalize the enactment of the PECA Amendment Act, 2025. The legislation continues to spark debates over its potential impact on media freedom.
