“You are trying to silence every voice in Pakistan.”
PTI MNA Zartaj Gul has raised strong objections to the recently passed Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill 2025.
She warned that it could stifle free speech and silence dissenting voices.
Speaking to the media after a session, Zartaj criticised the law, which imposes harsh penalties on social media users who criticise the government.
According to the new bill, this will include up to three years of imprisonment and fines of up to PKR 300,000 (£870).
Zartaj claimed that the legislation would suppress free speech by targeting journalists, activists, influencers, and citizens under the guise of tackling fake news.
She said: “You are trying to silence every voice in Pakistan.”
Zartaj added that the law could label anyone who opposes the government as a terrorist or anti-state, effectively punishing dissent.
She stated: “This is an attack on the very foundation of free expression.”
She also pointed out the rushed manner in which the bill was introduced.
Zartaj Gul revealed that it was presented in an emergency session of the National Assembly’s Interior Committee without proper deliberation or explanation.
She disclosed: “The Secretary of the Interior was late, and no clear justification was given for this bill.”
Calling the entire process undemocratic, Zartaj said:
“This is not how governance should work—by silencing everyone.”
The amendments to PECA include severe measures, such as creating a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA).
DRPA will have expansive powers to regulate social media platforms, remove unlawful content, and enforce compliance with new guidelines.
The government has defended the changes as necessary to curb hate speech and fake news.
It claims that they contribute to public unrest and social divisions.
But many, including Zartaj Gul, fear the law could be misused to target political opponents and suppress dissent.
She emphasised PTI’s firm opposition to the bill, warning:
“What they are using to silence critics today will eventually backfire.”
She walked out of the Interior Committee meeting in protest, calling the legislation a “black law” imposed without addressing more pressing issues.
Committee members like Jamshed Dasti also expressed frustration over the urgency of passing the bill.
He questioned why other critical matters, like the boat tragedy investigation, were being overlooked.
Dasti said: “The DG FIA should resign for failing to address real issues.”
Despite resistance from PTI and other members, the bill was passed, deepening concerns about its potential to limit freedoms.
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