ISLAMABAD (AP) – On Thursday, Pakistan's opposition criticized the government for its recent proposal aimed at curbing freedom of speech. This criticism came after the government introduced the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act in the National Assembly, which seeks to implement stringent controls over social media platforms. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill, which envisions creating a regulatory agency with the authority to block what it deems “unlawful and offensive content” from social media.
The proposed legislation mandates that social media platforms register with the new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. Non-compliance could result in temporary or permanent bans on these platforms. Furthermore, the law classifies the dissemination of disinformation as a criminal offense, imposing a potential three-year prison sentence and a hefty fine of 2 million rupees (approximately $7,150) on violators.
This legislative move comes almost a year after Pakistan's government blocked the X platform ahead of elections alleged to have been rigged by the opposition party led by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Though X remains inaccessible in the country, many users have resorted to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions, a phenomenon common in nations with strict internet controls.
Imran Khan, who has a significant social media following, particularly on X, has been incarcerated since 2023 due to graft charges. His party effectively utilizes social media for organizing protests and disseminating information, with much of the discourse focused on demanding Khan's release.
Omar Ayub Khan, the leader of the opposition and not related to the imprisoned former premier, condemned the proposed legislation. He argued that the bill could establish a precedent for silencing voices advocating for constitutional rights in Pakistan. The new agency proposed by the government possesses the power to swiftly block any content deemed unlawful, targeting institutions such as the judiciary, the military, and legislative bodies, thus heightening concerns regarding freedom of expression.
The bill also explicitly forbids the upload of remarks from parliament that have been struck from the public record, further restricting transparency and accountability in government affairs. In recent years, Pakistani media has increasingly come under pressure, with journalists reporting state-imposed censorship, particularly concerning references to Imran Khan. Most television stations, in an apparent effort to comply with these pressures, now refer to him merely as the "founder of the PTI" party.
Human rights advocates and journalists' unions have expressed strong opposition to the proposed law, emphasizing their commitment to defend free speech in the face of increasing government control. However, given the ruling party's majority in the National Assembly, the bill's passage appears highly likely.
Afzal Butt, president of the Federal Union of Journalists, articulated that the legislation signifies an effort to repress not just mainstream media, but also social media and journalistic freedom overall. The government's rationale for the law centers on a necessity to curb disinformation, yet critics argue it opens the door to further restrictions on civil liberties and the dissemination of information within the country.
