Pakistan’s Cybercrime Law Becomes Tool for Silencing Journalists

December 15, 2024 – Pakistan –

In a sharp escalation of media repression, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the issuance of arrest orders for at least 150 journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) accused these journalists of posting content between November 24 and 27, 2024, that allegedly incited violence and undermined state institutions, including the military. The targeted individuals face charges under PECA sections related to glorifying crime, cyberterrorism, hate speech, and cyberstalking—offenses that carry severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison.

Among those named are well-known journalists such as Asif Bashir Chaudhry and television anchor Harmeet Singh. The PFUJ, along with multiple media watchdogs and civil society organizations, denounced these charges as politically motivated attempts to muzzle dissent and criminalize journalism. They argue that the sweeping nature of the FIA’s allegations—based largely on vague interpretations of social media posts—amounts to a blatant abuse of Pakistan’s cybercrime law.

While the government claims the move is intended to counter misinformation and protect national stability, PFUJ asserts that the law is being weaponized to instill fear and stifle independent reporting. The union highlighted how journalists are increasingly vulnerable to arbitrary detention, cyber harassment, and defamation campaigns simply for fulfilling their professional duties. It called for the immediate withdrawal of the arrest orders and urged the government to initiate dialogue with media representatives to prevent further erosion of press freedom.

Civil rights groups have also pointed to the opaque and overly broad language within PECA, which allows authorities to target critics without due process. Digital rights advocates warn that such measures could lead to widespread self-censorship in an already shrinking media space. Amnesty International and other rights organizations have echoed these concerns, criticizing the lack of transparency in PECA’s enforcement and the absence of legal protections for journalists.

In response to the crackdown, PFUJ has launched protests across the country and is demanding urgent legislative reforms to prevent misuse of cyber laws. As calls for accountability grow, the mass targeting of journalists under PECA has become a litmus test for Pakistan’s commitment to democratic norms and freedom of expression.

Reference – 

Strict condemnation over cases of 150 journalists under PECA

https://www.dawn.com/news/1878801/pfuj-condemns-arrest-orders-against-journalists-under-peca