On January 28, 2025, the Senate of Pakistan made headlines as it passed two major bills—the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Amendment Bill 2025 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025. However, the approval process wasn’t smooth, as it triggered a walkout from journalists and protests from opposition members, making the event highly contentious.
The PECA Amendment Bill 2025, which aims to address growing concerns about fake news and unlawful online content, was presented by Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The bill had already been approved by the National Assembly and the Senate’s Interior Committee. In addition, the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 also received a majority vote in the Senate.
While the bills were moving forward in the legislative process, the session was far from peaceful. Journalists, who had gathered to cover the proceedings, staged a walkout from the press gallery when Rana Tanveer Hussain introduced the PECA Amendment Bill. The Pakistan Radio Association (PRA) led the protest, chanting slogans and calling the bill a “black law” in reference to its potential to restrict freedom of expression. Journalists expressed concerns that the bill could curtail press freedom, leading to a standoff with the government.
To show their support for the journalists, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman joined the press lounge. She emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did not approve of the PECA Amendment Bill in its current form and called for consultations with journalists to bring about necessary amendments. Rehman further stated that PPP would work towards forming a council to ensure the protection of journalists’ rights under the law. Despite these protests, the Senate proceeded with the approval of the PECA Amendment Bill 2025.
What does the PECA Amendment Bill 2025 entail? The bill introduces harsher penalties for spreading disinformation, with fines of up to Rs 2 million and prison sentences of up to three years. A major feature of the bill is the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will be responsible for regulating social media platforms and removing illegal content. The DRPA will have significant powers, including the ability to investigate complaints and enforce digital ethics. The bill also mandates that social media companies comply with new regulations, which may include registering in Pakistan and appointing local representatives.
The bill has sparked significant debate. Proponents argue that the law is necessary to fight fake news and hate speech, especially given the rise of misinformation on social media platforms. However, critics worry that it may lead to censorship and the suppression of free speech, as the government gains more control over digital content.
In addition to the PECA Amendment Bill, the Senate also passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025, which aims to develop Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and position the country as a leading player in the global digital economy. While opposition members voiced concerns about the lack of consultation on the bill, it passed with support from the PPP.
During the session, other key issues were also discussed. Defence and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif talked about the revival of smaller airports, including the re-opening of Chitral’s airport, and the improvement of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with new aircraft acquisitions and flights resuming to smaller airports. However, Senator Saifullah Abro raised concerns about PIA’s limited fleet and operational inefficiencies, calling for more aircraft and better flight management.
Despite the protests and disagreements, the Senate continued its work and approved several bills, including the Migration Smuggling Amendment Bill 2025 and the Immigration Ordinance Amendment Bill 2025, which were referred to relevant committees for further discussion.
The day’s events underscore the tension between government priorities and the concerns of journalists and opposition members. While the government is focused on tightening laws to regulate the digital space, there is growing unease among media professionals and lawmakers about the potential overreach and impact on freedoms in Pakistan.
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