The recently passed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) are necessary to tackle disinformation or “fake news”, claimed Attaullah Tarar, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting. Tarar argued that the amendments were essential as “people share content without verifying its authenticity. This reckless behavior has escalated to the point where people don’t hesitate to label others as infidels.”

Tarar also said that he invited critics of the PECA Amendments to engage with him and with PECA Joint Action Committee on PECA, claiming that if any sections are deemed inconsistent with fundamental rights, we are open to suggestions”.