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September 8, 2025 - Comments Off on TikToker Booked for Spreading Fake News About Floods

TikToker Booked for Spreading Fake News About Floods

Police in Jhelum have registered a case against a TikToker under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for uploading a fake video that showed water spilling from the Mangla Dam. The video caused widespread panic and fear, falsely suggesting that hundreds of villages were submerged. The FIR, filed on the complaint of a police sub-inspector, accuses the TikToker of spreading disinformation and creating public anxiety.

September 8, 2025 - Comments Off on NCCIA Summons YouTuber Rajab Butt

NCCIA Summons YouTuber Rajab Butt

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned YouTuber Rajab Butt to appear on September 9 for an inquiry into his alleged promotion of online gambling apps. The notice from the NCCIA states that Butt is accused of using his social media platforms to promote financial scams and gambling schemes, which is an offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The summons follows the recent arrest of another YouTuber, Ducky Bhai, on similar charges.

August 18, 2025 - Comments Off on PFUJ condemns FIA cases against four women journalists under PECA

PFUJ condemns FIA cases against four women journalists under PECA

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the registration of cases against four women journalists, Nayyar Ali, Sehrish Qureshi, Maira Imran, and Shakeela Jalil, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The cases were lodged by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on the complaint of a National Press Club (NPC) member, who alleged harassment by his former wife and claimed the NPC committee members were “facilitating” her. The four journalists were part of the committee that had earlier ruled both husband and wife guilty of misconduct.

PFUJ leaders Afzal Butt and Arshad Ansari denounced the move as a “gross misuse of power” and an attempt to intimidate journalists. They noted the FIA acted without offering the journalists an opportunity for explanation. The union reiterated its demand for the repeal of PECA, widely criticised as a tool to stifle free speech, and warned of nationwide protests if the cases are not dismissed.

August 16, 2025 - Comments Off on NA to deliberate ‘Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025

NA to deliberate ‘Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025

A new bill, the Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025, is set for debate in the upcoming National Assembly session. Introduced by PPP MNA Dr Syeda Shahida Rehmani, the bill seeks to curb obscene content on digital platforms, with penalties ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs100 million.

The proposed law covers all digital media, social media, apps, streaming services, films, web series, dramas, songs, live broadcasts, and advertisements. Prohibited content includes sexual immorality, drug use, mocking hijab or religious figures, and content deemed against the ideology of Pakistan or public morality.

The bill provides for a new authority, board, and tribunal. The board, comprising religious scholars, psychologists, legal and media experts, and civil society representatives, will recommend fines and bans. The tribunal, including a judge-level member, media professional, and IT expert, will hear cases.

Violations carry strict punishments: up to five years in jail and Rs10m fine for offences involving religion, women, children, or family values. Digital platforms must report content within 15 days, remove flagged material within 24 hours, and keep records for three years,  facing fines up to Rs100m for non-compliance. Repeat offenders risk license cancellation.

All crimes under the bill will be non-bailable and non-compoundable. Critics warn it may mirror the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which has been widely criticised for curbing press freedom.

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.”