President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendments Bill, 2025, despite strong opposition from journalist organizations.
Alongside PECA, the President also granted approval to the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025, a move aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. Additionally, he signed the National Commission on the Status of Women Bill, strengthening institutional efforts to promote women’s rights.
The Senate passed the PECA Amendments Bill, 2025 on January 28, a day after the Senate Standing Committee on Interior gave its approval. Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, who presented the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, stated that the amendments target issues on social media, not mainstream journalists.
Despite government assurances, critics argue that the PECA amendments could restrict freedom of expression, particularly in digital spaces.