The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly has passed a resolution condemning the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Express News reported.
The resolution stated that the amended PECA Act introduces restrictions on freedom of the press, which the KP Assembly strongly rejects as a violation of free speech and expression. The resolution was presented by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Shafiullah Jan.
The resolution further expressed solidarity with the journalist community and emphasized firm condemnation of the act. The KP Assembly called on the federal government to revoke the undemocratic and controversial amendments to the PECA Act.
The federal government moved to strengthen PECA with new changes targeting fake news and illegal online content.
The draft legislation, titled The Electronic Crimes Prevention (Amendment) Act 2025, proposed severe penalties including up to three years in jail and fines of Rs2 million for spreading disinformation.
The amendments also outline the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) that will have sweeping powers to regulate social media and online platforms.
Journalists’ organizations across Pakistan strongly oppose these changes, expressing concern over the lack of consultation and its implications for press freedom.
