Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member of the National Assembly Zartaj Gul has expressed concern over the new bill being passed. She says it will allow the government to jail anyone who opposes it on social media.

Speaking to the media after a session, she stated that the recently passed amendment to the PECA Act introduces harsh penalties for social media users who criticize the government. Under this law, people can face up to three years in jail and fines of up to Rs 30 lakh. She asked, “Are you trying to silence everyone in Pakistan and not allow anyone to speak against the government?”

She explained that under the new law, any social media influencer, activist, journalist or even an ordinary mobile phone user who exposes the government’s failures could be branded an adversary and punished. Zartaj Gul argued that this would result in suppression of freedom of expression, with activists being labeled as terrorists or anti-state. She added: “You want to label every activist as anti-state and silence everyone. No one could express their views or criticize the government anymore.”

Zartaj Gul also clarified that PTI will not support such an oppressive law. She warned: “This law will backfire on the government. What they are using to their advantage now will eventually be turned against them. We reject this law.”

Moreover, she criticized how the bill was rushed through the legislative process, Express News reported.

She pointed out that it was introduced in an emergency meeting of the Home Affairs Committee without any proper briefing. “The Home Secretary was late and no proper explanation was given for the bill,” she said. “This is not how a country should be run by silencing everyone.”

The Pakistani government has moved to strengthen the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) with new amendments targeting fake news and illegal online content.

The draft law, titled the Electronic Crimes Prevention (Amendment) Act 2025, proposes severe penalties including up to three years in jail and fines of Rs2 million for spreading disinformation.

The amendments also outline the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which will have extensive powers to regulate social media and online platforms.

The authority will be empowered to block or remove illegal content and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.

The government argues that these changes are necessary to address the rise of fake news and hate speech, which has contributed to public unrest and societal divisions.

While supporters of the legislation highlight its potential to curb online disinformation and ensure accountability, critics fear the law could lead to censorship or abuse by authorities.