President Zardari Approves PECA Amendments Despite Journalist Opposition

On January 29, 2025, President Asif Ali Zardari approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, despite significant opposition from journalists and media organizations. The new amendments introduce Section 26(A), which penalizes individuals who intentionally disseminate false information online that could incite fear, panic, or unrest, with penalties of up to three years in prison, fines up to Rs2 million, or both. Critics, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and human rights groups, have condemned the legislation as an attack on freedom of expression. The opposition party PTI has also protested the bill’s expedited passage through parliament. Despite assurances from President Zardari to consider journalists’ concerns, he proceeded to sign the bill into law.