Sheikh Waqas Akram, a prominent leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has fiercely criticized the controversial PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) law, describing it as a “black law” designed to curtail press freedom and silence opposition. In a strong condemnation, Akram called the law a “draconian” measure, asserting that it would be used to stifle free speech and intimidate the public. “This law is not only harmful to journalists but affects everyone. It is an attempt to suppress the voices of the people,” he said.

Arshad Ansari, the president of the Lahore Press Club, also expressed his concerns, stating that the timing of the bill’s introduction was suspicious. He revealed that former President Asif Ali Zardari appeared poised to sign the bill, adding, “The question is why this bill was brought to the Senate in such a hurry today, when it could have been presented earlier.” Ansari suggested that the bill’s rapid progression was part of a broader political maneuver.

Despite widespread opposition, the bill has received backing from a broad spectrum of political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and even PTI. However, PPP has distanced itself from the bill, with officials claiming it was primarily a PML-N initiative.

Digital rights advocate Asad Baig raised alarm over the law’s potential consequences, particularly its provisions criminalizing misinformation. “Across the world, no country has successfully solved the problem of misinformation by turning it into a criminal offense. This law will not curb fake news, but rather empower authorities to target those who voice dissent online,” Baig warned. He pointed out that PECA had already been weaponized to silence critics, particularly in the digital sphere, and predicted that the new measures would exacerbate these trends.