Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has challenged the recent amendments to the country’s cybercrime law in the Islamabad High Court, arguing that they violate fundamental constitutional rights and threaten press freedom. The petition, filed against the Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, seeks to overturn the newly enacted provisions, which criminalize the dissemination of “fake or false” information without clearly defining what constitutes such content.
The amended law, passed on January 29, introduces stricter regulations on online speech and grants expanded powers to government bodies to regulate digital content. One of the most controversial aspects is the provision imposing a prison sentence of up to three years for spreading information deemed “fake or false.” Journalists, digital rights activists, and human rights organizations have condemned the amendments, arguing that they open the door to government overreach and suppression of dissent. The lack of a clear definition of what qualifies as “false” information has raised fears that the law could be used to target critics, stifle investigative journalism, and limit public scrutiny of those in power.
The PFUJ’s petition argues that the amendments contradict constitutional guarantees, including the right to free speech, due process, and a fair trial. The union has listed several government bodies as respondents in the case, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Information, and FIA. The petition also calls for an immediate halt to the enforcement of the law, warning that it could lead to arbitrary actions against journalists, media houses, and citizens engaging in digital discourse.
One of the key concerns surrounding the law is the creation of four new government bodies tasked with monitoring and regulating online content. Among them is the Social Media Protection Tribunal, which will oversee cases related to online speech. However, the fact that its members will be appointed by the government has raised questions about its independence and potential for misuse. Another body, the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority, will have the power to remove or block content deemed “against the ideology of Pakistan” or classified as “fake or false.” The law also enables the government to impose conditions on social media companies operating in Pakistan, further tightening control over digital platforms.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised alarms about the potential consequences of the amended law. They argue that such broad and vague restrictions on online content violate international human rights standards and could lead to increased censorship. Critics have also highlighted the lack of public consultation in drafting the amendments, warning that they could be weaponized against political opponents, activists, and independent media.
The amendments come at a time of growing concern over digital freedoms in Pakistan. The country has faced repeated internet shutdowns and disruptions, particularly during political unrest and protests. The government has also been working on implementing a national firewall, reportedly to regulate digital content and enhance cybersecurity. While officials deny that these moves are aimed at censorship, activists see them as part of a broader effort to curb dissent and tighten control over online spaces.
The Islamabad High Court’s decision on the PFUJ’s petition will have significant implications for press freedom and digital rights in Pakistan. If the law is upheld, it could set a precedent for increased state control over online discourse. On the other hand, a ruling in favor of the petition could reaffirm constitutional protections for free expression and place checks on the government’s regulatory powers.
As the legal battle unfolds, journalists, activists, and rights organizations continue to push back against the law, calling for a more transparent and consultative approach to digital regulation. The case is expected to draw widespread attention, both domestically and internationally, as Pakistan grapples with the delicate balance between cybersecurity, misinformation control, and fundamental rights in the digital age.
