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August 5, 2025 - Comments Off on Warning issued by PTA against illegal content sharing 

Warning issued by PTA against illegal content sharing 

Social media users were issued a public service announcement by the Pakistan telecommunication Authority (PTA) warning them against sharing illegal content. While acknowledging citizen's freedom to express themselves, the official announcement prohibited users from making, sharing or engaging with unlawful content. The term “unlawful content” was further explained to be anything that can be categorised as blasphemous, anti-state, anti-defense, immoral, and fake.  

August 5, 2025 - Comments Off on PFUJ condemns freedom of expression crackdown 

PFUJ condemns freedom of expression crackdown 

At its 75th anniversary meeting, representatives from the Pakistan Federation Union of Journalists (PFUJ) issued a declaration condemning the government’s "escalating crackdown” on freedom of expression and media independence. The PFUJ president asked for a complete withdrawal of PECA amendments and other unconstitutional bills. The amendments, made in the beginning of 2025, are termed “unjustified, anti-media, and reflective of an authoritarian mindset,” by the PFUJ council.    

July 16, 2025 - Comments Off on Controversial 2022 order on PECA section still in ‘legal limbo’

Controversial 2022 order on PECA section still in ‘legal limbo’

The case to strike down Section 20 of the PECA law remains unresolved due to the absence of a detailed judgment even after over three years. The short order, issued in April 2022 by former IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah ruled the law which criminalized criticism of state institutions unconstitutional, but with no explanation to his reasoning. 

Files regarding the case were only recently returned to the IHC but new challenges to PECA amendments have created uncertainty. Legal experts acknowledge that short orders hold legal weight; however, without a detailed explanation their strength is significantly diminished.

July 15, 2025 - Comments Off on Journalists body urges Supreme Court to review PECA law

Journalists body urges Supreme Court to review PECA law

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged the Supreme Court to review and amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in consultation with Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and other media stakeholders.

In a letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, IFJ raised concerns over rising threats to press freedom, citing legal harassment, violence and misuse of PECA against journalists. From May 2024 to April 2025, the IFJ recorded 34 violations including targeted killings of seven journalists. Furthermore, copies of the letter were also sent to the PM, Islamabad High Court CJ and PFUJ President Rana Azeem.

July 7, 2025 - Comments Off on ​​Drone jamming technology used by KP police during Ashura in a first

​​Drone jamming technology used by KP police during Ashura in a first

https://www.dawn.com/news/1922531/kp-police-use-drone-jamming-technology-for-first-time-during-ashura

For the first time, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police used drone-jamming technology as part of security arrangements for Ashura processions in Peshawar on Sunday. Capital City Police Officer Qasim Khan confirmed that a drone-jamming gun was deployed using the Peshawar Anti-Drone System, which can disable suspicious drones from up to three kilometres away. According to Khan, this development comes in response to previous drone-related threats in southern KP districts. Across the country, 4,836 processions and 5,480 majalis took place, including 12 processions in Peshawar, all concluding peacefully amid tight security. Thousands of police personnel, including snipers and rescue teams, were stationed in major cities. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the army, Rangers, and police, for ensuring a secure environment. In a post on X, he commended the coordinated plan implemented from Muharram 1 to Ashura and thanked all officers for their discipline, unity, and dedication throughout the period.

July 6, 2025 - Comments Off on Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

On Yaum-i-Ashura, Pakistan saw heightened surveillance and online monitoring as thousands of processions took place across the country. In Punjab, over 7,500 CCTV cameras were used to track events in real time, with 113,000 personnel deployed for security. Islamabad, Multan, and other cities implemented similar measures using Safe City systems, drones, body-worn cameras, and mobile control rooms. Alongside on-ground monitoring, a significant crackdown on digital content was reported. The Punjab Home Department’s Cyber Patrol Cell flagged over 1,600 social media accounts for spreading hate speech, resulting in the arrest of 170 individuals. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that similar monitoring efforts were underway nationwide. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised the administration’s arrangements, stating this was “not only the best Muharram in terms of arrangements but also the most peaceful one.” She added, “Along with cleaning the roads, the dirt of hatred was also wiped away.”

July 1, 2025 - Comments Off on Three Arrested in Sahiwal Over Online Blasphemy and Sectarian Hate Ahead of Ashura

Three Arrested in Sahiwal Over Online Blasphemy and Sectarian Hate Ahead of Ashura

Sahiwal police arrested three men in separate cases in the last 24 hours for alleged online hate speech, blasphemous content, and sectarian hate. As Ashura on July 6th draws closer, the Punjab government has ordered strict security measures regarding hateful content on social media. DPO Tahir said, “The police are maintaining zero tolerance to such incidents.” The police officer stressed the importance of being cautious while using online platforms and warned against using them to hurt sectarian beliefs. The arrests were made under Sections 295-A and 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), as well as Section 11 (hate speech) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2026

June 6, 2025 - Comments Off on NCCI foils major cyber crime network 

NCCI foils major cyber crime network 

In collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Multan, Pakistani intelligence were able to crack down on an international cybercrime network operating in Pakistan. Five members of a 21-member gang were arrested by Pakistani authorities on the charge of multi-million dollar fraud against foreign nationals, mostly Americans. Earlier this month, US and Dutch authorities cracked down on the group’s activities and blocked scam websites associated with the group. 

Raids in Lahore and Multan found ample digital evidence linking individuals to the group, including mobile phones, laptops and other devices. All parties found guilty have been booked under PECA and other state laws.

Source: https://arynews.tv/pakistans-intelligence-agencies-foil-major-cybercrime-network/  

May 20, 2025 - Comments Off on PTA Denies Reports of YouTube Channel Blocking List

PTA Denies Reports of YouTube Channel Blocking List

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an official clarification rejecting media reports claiming that a list of YouTube channels has been prepared for blocking by the authority or shared with the federal government.

In a statement released on May 20, 2025, the PTA emphasized that no such list has been formulated or sent to the government. The authority reiterated that its mandate is limited to taking action only against unlawful online content, under Section 37 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, and in accordance with relevant legal frameworks and procedural rules.

PTA further clarified that criminal proceedings, legal action, or enforcement of other relevant laws fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement and judicial institutions, not the authority itself.

The statement urged media outlets to verify sensitive news topics through responsible and credible sources before publication to avoid the spread of misinformation and confusion among the public.

Source: https://x.com/PTAofficialpk/status/1924833665680281810

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