According to details, Federal Minister of Law Azam Nazeer Tarar has indicated a willingness to reconsider the amendments to the PECA Act. Tarar stated that the relevant ministries of interior and information are engaging in discussions with stakeholders, and that any changes to the law fall under the purview of the parliament.
The Minister of Law emphasized that if all parties reach a consensus, the law can be re-evaluated. It is worth noting that the PECA Act has already been passed into law, with the National Assembly approving the PECA Amendment Bill 2025 on January 23. The bill has been a subject of controversy, aiming to regulate social media in Pakistan.
The amended bill includes Section 26 (A), which states that any individual who intentionally spreads false information or sends it to others, causing fear or unrest in society, can face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 20 million, or both.
The bill stipulates that anyone found guilty of spreading fake news, which causes panic or disruption among the public and society, can face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 20 million, or both.
Under this bill, social media platforms are required to register with the authorities, and those that fail to comply with the law can be temporarily or permanently blocked.
In a significant development, the Minister of Law’s willingness to revisit the amendments has sparked hopes of a potential revision to the law, which has been criticized by many for its stringent regulations and potential implications on freedom of expression. As the government engages in discussions with stakeholders, it remains to be seen whether the law will undergo any changes in the coming days.
