Women forum voices concern over Peca bill

LAHORE: The Women Action Forum (WAF) expresses grave concern over the recently passed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, which represent a significant threat to fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information in Pakistan.

The amendments introduced and approved without meaningful consultation with civil society or stakeholders grant unchecked and overbroad powers to authorities under vague and ambiguous provisions, the forum said.

The introduction of subjective terms such as "aspersion," the expansion of the definition of social media platforms, and the establishment of a regulatory authority with sweeping powers collectively create a framework that enables censorship,

surveillance, and the persecution of dissenting voices.

The lack of accountability and oversight, coupled with the government’s repeated failure to ensure transparency in decision-making processes, has become one of the primary reasons for the proliferation of fake news and disinformation in Pakistan, it said.

“These measures undermine constitutional guarantees and violate international human rights standards, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a signatory.

The proposed regulatory authority, with its power to block content and platforms without clear and narrowly defined criteria, poses a direct threat to digital freedoms and online spaces. The provisions targeting "fake news" and "unlawful content" use vague language that can easily be weaponised against journalists, activists, and citizens exercising their right to free expression.

The lack of transparency in the government's approach exacerbates these concerns, as it fosters an environment where censorship thrives and public trust erodes,” it said.

This alarming trend risks further shrinking the space for accountability and public discourse in Pakistan.

WAF urges the Senate committee to reconsider these amendments and address structural issues with Peca while ensuring that any measures introduced are transparent, inclusive, and aligned with Pakistan's constitutional and international obligations.

Meaningful engagement with civil society, media, and other stakeholders is critical to

safeguarding the rights

of individuals and protecting the democratic principles foundational to

Pakistan.

Freedom of expression and access to information are not privileges but

fundamental rights essential for the functioning of a democratic society.

WAF stands in solidarity with all voices advocating for the protection of these freedoms and calls for an immediate reversal of measures that stifle online dissent and empower unchecked authority.