February 6, 2025
3 mins read

Right groups slam Pakistan’s ‘draconian’ cyber law 

The controversial legislation, which criminalises “fake or false” information, has sparked criticism from rights groups, journalists, and civil society. 

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s recent amendments to its cybercrimes law, warning that the new regulations pose a significant threat to internet freedom and free expression in the country. The organisation has called on the Pakistani parliament to either repeal or substantially reform the Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into effect on January 29. 

The controversial law criminalises the dissemination of “fake or false” information, carrying a maximum prison sentence of three years. However, the amendment does not provide a clear definition of “fake or false” news, instead using vague and broadly worded criteria such as content that may “cause fear, panic, disorder, or unrest.” Human Rights Watch has criticised this ambiguity, arguing that such wording grants authorities unchecked power to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression. 

According to HRW, the Pakistani government failed to engage with civil society groups and industry stakeholders before implementing the amendment, effectively curtailing meaningful public debate. The organisation argues that the law’s broad provisions infringe upon fundamental rights and could be used to target critics of the government. 

HRW says the Pakistani government failed to engage with civil society groups and industry stakeholders before implementing the amendment, effectively curtailing meaningful public debate. 

Patricia Gossman, Associate Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, stated that Pakistan’s amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act “neither respects fundamental human rights nor protects the public from legitimate online security threats.” She urged the Pakistani government to reconsider the legislation and remove provisions that unduly restrict free speech. 

Under the revised law, the scope of online offences has been significantly expanded, and four new government agencies have been created to regulate digital content. HRW warned that these agencies will have the authority to filter and remove online material based on unclear criteria that do not comply with international human rights standards regarding proportionality and necessity. 

“Pakistan’s amended cyber law neither respects fundamental human rights nor protects the public from legitimate online security threats.” — Patricia Gossman, HRW

One of the most controversial elements of the law is the establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority. This body has been granted sweeping powers to order social media platforms to take down content deemed “against the ideology of Pakistan,” “fake or false,” or critical of public figures. The authority can also compel social media companies to register with the government and comply with additional, potentially arbitrary conditions. 

The passage of the amendment comes amid a broader crackdown on digital speech in Pakistan. HRW has documented instances of internet shutdowns, network disruptions, and restrictions on digital access as part of the government’s strategy to suppress political protests and control dissent. The authorities have frequently justified these measures under the pretext of maintaining law and order and curbing misinformation. 

The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also condemned the new law, warning that it is “likely to become yet another means of targeting political workers, human rights defenders, journalists, and dissidents by effectively penalising criticism of state institutions.” 

Journalists’ associations have also voiced strong opposition to the legislation. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has denounced the amendment as a violation of fundamental rights and has called for widespread protests against the law. 

Human Rights Watch has urged Pakistan’s government to reverse course and ensure that any regulations governing digital expression align with international human rights principles. The organisation has stressed that restricting free speech under the guise of combating disinformation will ultimately undermine democratic discourse and accountability in the country. 

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s prisons: A masterclass in mismanagement

ALSO READ: Pakistan braces for fuel price hike amid rising inflation 

Previous Story

Congress slams Centre’s silence on US deportation 

Next Story

Who Gets the Gloves for India 

Latest from -Top News

Violence against children hit unprecedented levels

In Somalia, it reported 2,568 violations against 1,992 children.In Nigeria, 2,436 grave violations were reported against 1,037 children The UN kept Israeli forces on its blacklist of countries that violate children’s rights

Japan Cancels U.S. Talks

The cancellation also coincides with Japan’s upcoming upper house elections on July 20, which are expected to test Ishiba’s fragile minority coalition Japan has cancelled a planned high-level security meeting with the

Modi calls Yoga a journey from ‘me’ to ‘we’

PM Modi showered praise on the Andhra Pradesh government for hosting this year’s national celebrations, commending Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan for their leadership. Prime Minister

UK unites for Yoga Day

Celebrations held across iconic landmarks and campuses under theme ‘One Earth, One Health’ The Indian diaspora and local communities across the United Kingdom gathered in large numbers on Friday to mark the

Kenya’s Odinga Slams Adani Deal U-Turn

Before the cancellation of the deal, Odinga was among the leaders who defended the Adani Group….reports Asian Lite News Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday expressed disappointment over the cancellation
Go toTop

Don't Miss

US sanctions Pak-based human smuggling group

The US Treasury Department stated that it has imposed sanctions

Pakistan’s Growth Hits Snag, Slows to 1%

The slow growth rate also emphasises the negative impacts of