he allegedly allowed other members to view it
A WhatsApp group administrator in Pakpattan was arrested on January 24, 2025, for a post that was aimed at Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
According to reports, he allegedly allowed it to be shared in the group.
The incident marks one of the first cases in the area invoking the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the post used derogatory language against the chief minister.
Another member shared the post within the WhatsApp group.
The FIR claimed that the admin did not delete it, despite knowing the post’s offensive and illegal nature.
Instead, he allegedly allowed other members to view it, which authorities said was an attempt to spread unrest among the public.
The case has been registered under Section 20 of PECA, which deals with offences against the dignity of a natural person.
It also falls under Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code, addressing acts insulting modesty or causing harassment.
District Police Officer (DPO) Javed Iqbal Chaddar confirmed the arrest, labelling the post malicious and offensive.
DPO Chaddar stated that he took immediate notice when the post went viral.
He directed the Farid Nagar police to take swift action, resulting in the arrest of the group admin.
The original poster of the content is also under investigation.
The DPO said: “Such acts of spreading hateful or immoral content will not be tolerated.
“Further investigation is underway, and those found guilty will face strict legal action.”
The development follows the recent amendment of PECA laws, which have drawn criticism for their potential to suppress dissent and free speech.
The updated legislation introduces stricter penalties for spreading fake or harmful information online.
Under the revised law, individuals found guilty of disseminating false information could face up to three years in prison.
Additionally, they will also be fined up to PKR 2 million (£5,700).
Critics have voiced concerns about the misuse of PECA, arguing it could lead to censorship and target political opposition, journalists, and activists.
Over the years, PECA has been frequently used in politically charged cases, raising questions about its implementation and fairness.
On January 23, 2025, PTI MNA Zartaj Gul strongly objected to the PECA Amendment Bill 2025.
She feared that it would be misused to target political opponents and suppress dissent.
Zartaj said: “This is not how governance should work—by silencing everyone.”