Pakistan: Amnesty International slams "hasty passage" of PECA Act, demands repeal
Amnesty International Criticizes Pakistan's New Electronic Crimes Law
Amnesty International has expressed strong disapproval of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025, recently passed in Pakistan. The organization has urged Pakistani authorities to repeal the amendment to protect freedom of expression. Amnesty claims the act, which targets 'fake and false news,' was passed hastily and contains vague provisions that threaten free speech.
Concerns Over Freedom of Expression
Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director of Campaigns for South Asia at Amnesty International, highlighted concerns that the act's ambiguous language could suppress online expression in Pakistan. The amendment introduces penalties, including up to three years in prison, for spreading 'false information.' Pant criticized the lack of consultation or debate before the act's passage and noted the expansion of powers for the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority.
International Reactions
Leading journalistic organizations worldwide have also opposed the amendments. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) described the changes as an attempt to control digital expression and internet freedom. They urged President Asif Ali Zardari to reject the bill to protect the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Media Diversity Institute (MDI) echoed these concerns, warning of increased censorship and a decline in press freedom in Pakistan.
Doubts Revealed
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global organization that works to protect human rights. They often speak out against laws or actions that they believe harm people's freedoms.
Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025
This is a law in Pakistan that was changed in 2025 to address crimes committed using electronic devices, like computers and phones. The changes have been criticized for being too broad and possibly limiting free speech.
Freedom of expression
Freedom of expression means being able to say what you think and share your ideas without being stopped or punished. It's an important part of democracy.
Fake news
Fake news refers to false or misleading information presented as news. It can be harmful because it spreads incorrect information to people.
Babu Ram Pant
Babu Ram Pant is a person from Amnesty International who is speaking out against the new law in Pakistan. He is concerned that it might stop people from expressing themselves freely online.
IFJ
IFJ stands for the International Federation of Journalists. It's a group that supports journalists around the world and fights for their rights and freedom.
RSF
RSF stands for Reporters Without Borders, a group that works to protect journalists and promote freedom of the press worldwide.
Censorship
Censorship is when someone, like a government, controls what people can see, hear, or say. It can limit people's access to information and their ability to express themselves.
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