Why the Latest Proposal to Amend Peca Is an Attempt to Further Strangle Free Speech

The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016 has long been criticized for its potential to suppress free speech in Pakistan. A decade ago, the initial draft of Peca emerged without government transparency, leading to significant concern among digital rights activists. Despite resistance, the act was eventually passed, with opposition parties like the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) offering only superficial amendments. Today, the PPP’s calls for digital rights legislation ring hollow, as constitutional protections are routinely ignored during investigations and trials. Lawmakers often view the passage of laws as the end of their responsibility, neglecting the crucial aspect of implementation. The current proposal to amend Peca threatens to further erode free speech, as existing procedural safeguards are already frequently violated.