A new piece of legislation titled the Prohibition of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Digital Media Bill 2025 is expected to be presented in the upcoming session of the National Assembly. The bill, introduced by PPP lawmaker Dr. Syeda Shahida Rehmani, seeks to regulate content on digital platforms that is categorized as obscene and introduces penalties ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs1 billion. With a wide scope, the draft defines both “digital media” and “prohibited content” broadly, extending its reach across social media platforms, websites, apps, streaming services, and offline digital formats such as films, advertisements, and broadcasts.
The legislation outlines prohibited material to include explicit conversations, depiction of extramarital affairs, indecent or revealing clothing, drug-related references, immoral activities, and attacks on public morality. It also addresses content perceived as disrespectful towards religion, mockery of cultural practices such as hijab or purdah, challenges to the family system, and material considered harmful to Pakistan’s ideology. To enforce these rules, the bill proposes the establishment of three new institutions — an authority, a regulatory board, and a tribunal. Investigations would be carried out by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), while prosecutions would take place under the framework of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016.
The proposed regulatory board would include eight members, comprising two religious scholars (male and female), two psychologists, a civil society representative, a legal expert specializing in media law, a media professional responsible for overseeing removal of prohibited content, and a federal government representative serving as chairperson. The tribunal would consist of three members, including an individual qualified for appointment as a high court judge, a media professional, and an IT expert. The board would hold powers to ban prohibited content, initiate suo motu actions, recommend penalties, and propose amendments to existing regulations, while the authority would act upon these recommendations.
The penalties outlined in the bill vary depending on the nature of the offense. A first-time violation could result in up to one year in prison and a Rs500,000 fine, while repeat offenses could lead to three years imprisonment and fines of up to Rs5 million. Content involving religion, women, children, or family values may carry even stricter penalties, with up to five years imprisonment and fines reaching Rs10 million. Digital platforms and service providers operating in Pakistan would also be bound by new obligations, requiring them to report all uploaded content within 15 days, remove prohibited material within 24 hours of being notified, and maintain relevant records for at least three years. Non-compliance could result in fines starting at Rs50 million and escalating to Rs100 million for repeat violations, while persistent breaches may lead to suspension of services and cancellation of licenses.
The bill states that all offenses will be classified as non-bailable and non-compoundable. Once tabled, the proposal is expected to be referred to the relevant standing committee for review before moving to a vote in the National Assembly. While the PECA Act of 2016 currently provides the foundation for cybercrime regulation in Pakistan, critics have long raised concerns about its misuse, particularly in restricting press freedom and free speech. Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas of PFUJ commented on the proposed legislation, urging lawmakers to reflect on past experiences, stating that “the very law passed hastily in 2016 was later used against the party that had introduced it.”
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