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May 9, 2025 - Comments Off on Cyber Blasphemy: Three More Death Sentences Spark Alarm Over Digital Rights

Cyber Blasphemy: Three More Death Sentences Spark Alarm Over Digital Rights

An Islamabad court has handed down three additional death sentences in cyber blasphemy cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), bringing the total to 11 since September 2024.

The verdicts come amid mounting concerns over alleged entrapment, manipulated evidence, and collusion between FIA officials and a group known as the “Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan.”

According to a leaked Punjab Special Branch report, dozens may have been falsely accused in what it called the "Blasphemy Business." Families of 101 accused have petitioned the Islamabad High Court for an independent inquiry.

Defense lawyers criticized the trials as biased and lacking procedural fairness, alleging the same pattern of evidence and charges in multiple cases.

One defense lawyer said his client, a university student, was lured with a fake job offer before being arrested. Another said his client had performed Umrah shortly before being accused.

The complainant admitted to using a fake Facebook profile and could not recall key details about the case.

Human rights groups warn the expanding use of PECA for blasphemy prosecutions poses grave risks to freedom of expression and due process in Pakistan’s digital space.

Source: https://nukta.com/cyber-blasphemy-death-penalty

May 9, 2025 - Comments Off on X Pushes Back Against Indian Government’s Censorship Orders

X Pushes Back Against Indian Government’s Censorship Orders

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has pushed back against executive orders from the Indian government demanding the blocking of over 8,000 accounts, including those of journalists, international media, and prominent users.

In a statement, X revealed it was threatened with fines and imprisonment of staff in India if it failed to comply. The platform is withholding some accounts locally but has publicly opposed the orders, calling them vague, unjustified, and a threat to free speech.

X emphasized the importance of transparency and urged impacted users to seek legal relief, noting that it is currently restricted by Indian law from challenging the orders itself.

The move comes amid India’s escalating conflict with Pakistan, during which it has already blocked several Pakistani news outlets and voices online.

Following this statement, fact-checkers reported that the X account @GlobalAffairs (via which the statement was published) has also been withheld in India.

Media organizations blocked in India so far are Maktoob Media, The Kashmiriyat, The Wire.in and Free Press Kashmir. The Wire.in  has called this a “clear violation of the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of the press.”

Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2544747/x-refuses-indias-request-to-block-8000-accounts

May 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Meta Blocks Muslim News Page in India Amid Escalating Tensions

Meta Blocks Muslim News Page in India Amid Escalating Tensions

Meta has restricted access to the @Muslim Instagram account (6.7M followers) in India following a legal request from the Indian government. The platform cited its policy of complying with content restrictions that allegedly violate local laws.

Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh, the page’s founder, condemned the move as censorship, saying: “When platforms and countries try to silence media, it tells us that we are doing our job.”

The ban comes amid India’s broader crackdown on Pakistani digital content during its conflict with Pakistan. Indian authorities have already blocked accounts of Pakistani actors, cricketers, and over a dozen YouTube channels.

Meta has not commented further but directed media to its standard legal compliance page. The development occurs as violence escalates between the nuclear-armed neighbors, prompting global concern over regional stability.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/08/meta-instagram-muslim-news-page

May 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Partial Restoration of X (Twitter) Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

Partial Restoration of X (Twitter) Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

After months of state-imposed restrictions, access to X (formerly Twitter) has been partially restored in Pakistan without the use of VPNs or proxies. The platform had been largely inaccessible since the February 2024 general elections, forcing millions to rely on third-party tools.

 

This development comes amid escalating military tensions with India. Earlier this week, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed Indian airstrikes on six Pakistani locations, resulting in civilian casualties. In response, Pakistan reportedly shot down five Indian aircraft that had entered via Indian airspace.

Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2544463/access-to-x-partially-restored-in-pakistan

February 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Government blocks resolution against PECA Amendments

Government blocks resolution against PECA Amendments

The government of Pakistan blocked a resolution against the Prevention of Electronic Act (PECA) Amendments 2025, via calling attention to quorum at the last moment. The resolution was tabled by Senator Aon Abbas Buppi (PTI), who called on the government to review the law again and to remove provisions contradictory to human rights. The Law Minister brought to the Senate Chair’s attention that there was a lack of quorum in the House, confirmed by Acting Chairperson Senator Sherry Rehman’s ordering a headcount. The resolution stated:

“The House calls upon the government to immediately amend Peca 2025 to align it with constitutional rights and international standards, ensuring a balanced approach between digital governance and press freedom in Pakistan”.

Members of the opposition then met with Parliamentary Reporter Association representatives present in the Parliamentary Media Press Gallery and expressed solidarity. At this time, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) staged rallies across the country against the PECA Amendments.