Pakistan’s Senate passes controversial bill to tighten social media control amid protests

Pakistan’s Senate approved on Tuesday the controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, sparking fierce protests from opposition senators and a walkout by journalists.

The session, chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir, saw fierce objections from opposition parties, including former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Awami National Party (ANP), who rejected the bill and accused the government of bypassing proper procedures.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain presented the bill in place of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whose absence drew additional criticism.

“We cannot support this bill,” declared Leader of the Opposition Senator Shibli Faraz. “While no one condones the spread of false news, the process of passing this bill is flawed.”

The bill includes provisions to tighten regulations on spreading fake news. It allows for penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of up to PKR 2 million. The legislation also establishes a nine-member Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), which will oversee compliance with the law.

“The government has provided representation to journalists in the authority,” said Hussain. The authority will include a journalist with at least 10 years of experience, alongside experts in law, social media, and IT. The chairman, to be appointed for five years, must hold a bachelor’s degree and have 15 years of experience.

Despite assurances of journalist representation, the move drew sharp criticism from opposition senators and the press. Parliamentary journalists staged a walkout from the press gallery in protest after the bill was presented.

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Senator Kamran Murtaza of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) proposed several amendments to the bill but claimed they were not adequately reviewed. “The standing committee report is incomplete, and my amendments weren’t addressed properly,” he said after his proposals were rejected.

During the session, opposition lawmakers tore up copies of the bill, calling it an attack on press freedom and democratic principles. “This legislation tightens the circle around dissent,” one opposition senator remarked.

The government, however, defended the bill as a necessary step to combat fake news and ensure accountability on social media platforms. “We are protecting society from the harmful effects of misinformation,” said Hussain.

The session ended with opposition members walking out in protest. The bill’s passage is expected to spark further debate over press freedom, social media regulation, and the boundaries of free speech in Pakistan.

Digital National Pakistan Bill also approved

The Senate also approved the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 by a majority vote, with the opposition rejecting the bill and staging a protest.

Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar presented the bill during the session. Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz attempted to speak on the matter, but his request was denied by the deputy chairman, sparking objections. ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan also opposed the bill.

Amid the uproar, the government moved forward with a clause-by-clause approval of the bill. “There was no consultation on this bill, and the opposition leader is being silenced. This procedure is illegal,” said Shibli Faraz.

The Pakistan Peoples Party supported the legislation, while Senator Kamran Murtaza proposed amendments to sections 7, 23, and 29. However, his amendments were rejected. “This bill interferes with provincial autonomy and centralizes power in Islamabad,” Murtaza said.

Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the Digital Nation Bill a “revolutionary step” for Pakistan’s economy, governance, and society. “The bill will create digital infrastructure and enable citizens to access documents and government services via mobile phones,” Khawaja said.

The legislation includes provisions to promote AgriTech, FinTech, and EdTech, aiming for inclusive development. “This bill aligns Pakistan with the global digital revolution and will make governance more transparent and effective,” Khawaja added.

With the new digital identity system, citizens will be able to access services without the need for physical visits, making the process faster and more efficient. “This is a milestone for Pakistan’s transition to a digital economy,” said Khawaja.

Both the legislations have already been passed by the National Assembly. They will now be sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for final approval.

Journalists rally against bill

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists led rallies in cities including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, to demand the government withdraws the bill.

"It is a direct attack on press freedom," PFUJ President Afzal Butt said at the rally in Islamabad, before police blocked him and other protesters from marching toward the Red Zone, which houses the prime minister's secretariat, parliament and diplomatic offices.

"Our movement will continue until the law is revoked."

Digital media in Pakistan has already been muffled with measures by telecom authorities to slow down internet speeds, and social media platform X has been blocked for more than a year.

Reporters Without Borders, an organization that defends press freedom, ranked Pakistan at number 152 out of 180 on its 2024 world Press Freedom Index. The group also says Pakistan is one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work.

—With additional input from Reuters.