Several PECA cases filed as Pakistan tightens laws on ‘fake news’

Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered several cases under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) just days after the federal government proposed stricter amendments to the law.

Sources in the FIA revealed that 12 FIRs (first information reports) have been lodged — seven in Islamabad and five in Karachi — against individuals accused of spreading false information and anti-state content on social media platforms like Facebook and X.

“We have not made any arrests yet, but we have obtained all relevant information and expect to proceed soon,” FIA sources told Nukta.

In Karachi, the FIA Cyber Crime office named Muhammad Sohail, Muhammad Junaid, Sheikh Muhammad Ahsaan, Tariq Jameel, Syed Rizwan, Muhammad Ahmed, and Babar Azeem in an FIR. Most of them are accused of sharing fake news and inciting propaganda via WhatsApp groups and X accounts.

The first case, filed on December 6, specifically targets Sohail, a resident of Metroville in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, linking his social media activity to the dissemination of false information.

In Islamabad, FIRs were registered against individuals including Muhammad Osama, Ghulam Akber, Abu Bakar, and Bilal.

Authorities have also intensified operations in other regions, with new cases filed against 13 individuals allegedly involved in spreading fake news and anti-state content. Those named include Saleem Akhtar, Salman Nasir, Sajid Hussain, Muhammad Khalid Khursheed, Asim Ayub, and Babar Muzaffar.

Further FIRs have been registered against individuals such as Sher Azeem Khan, Mubeen Shah, Ali Haider, Nadir Hussain, Chaudhry Zulfiqar, Jameel Mirza, and Muhammad Basit Malik, who reportedly belong to areas like Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalnagar, Gilgit, Ghizer, and Zhob.

'Arrests are imminent'

FIA sources added that several accused have affiliations with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

They said they are closely monitoring Facebook and X accounts that are involved in spreading false information and content aimed at creating panic or insecurity in society.

The agency is working with various law enforcement bodies, which are providing lists of social media accounts flagged for action.

Recent FIRs filed under PECA follow a similar pattern, with most cases invoking the same sections of the law:

• Section 9: Electronic Fraud — punishable by up to five years in prison and a PKR 10 million fine.
• Section 10: Cyber Terrorism — applies to those creating fear or panic in society. Offenders face up to 14 years imprisonment and a PKR 50 million fine.
• Section 20: Spreading harmful content or false information — carries up to two years imprisonment and a PKR 1 million fine.

FIA sources confirmed that arrests are imminent, adding, “The accused will face strict legal action soon.”

Govt proposes stricter penalties

The crackdown comes amid the federal government’s push for the PECA (Amendment) Act 2024, which introduces harsher penalties and a new regulatory body, the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA).

Under the proposed changes:

• Spreading fake news could lead to up to five years in prison, a PKR 1 million fine, or both.
• Content inciting violence or defaming institutions will be removed.

The DRPA will replace the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and oversee online content removal, investigation, and prosecution.

Critics argue that the amendments could curb free speech, but the government insists that the measures aim to counter misinformation and protect online users.

The FIA’s latest cases highlight a growing crackdown on digital content amid rising concerns over the misuse of social media platforms.

– With additional input by Aamir Abbasi