ISLAMABAD, JAN 27: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) amendment bill despite opposition from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and journalist organisations.

According to Geo News, during discussions on the bill, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed concern over the hasty approval process. “How can this bill be approved so quickly? There wasn’t enough time to read, let alone consult on it,” he remarked.

He criticised the bill for its lack of clarity, saying that the term “fake news” is undefined, raising questions on how it would be determined.

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui acknowledged the concerns of journalists, saying: “It would have been better to consult journalists beforehand. However, we agree with the essence of the bill, as addressing the issue of fake news, particularly on social media, is crucial.”

The interior ministry’s secretary requested the committee to approve the bill in its current form, as passed by the National Assembly, noting that the government has introduced amendments to improve its implementation.

The National Assembly on January 23 approved the Peca (Amendment), 2025, making changes to the existing controversial law, drawing severe criticism from journalist bodies as well as the opposition.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General Arshad Ansari told Geo News that journalists would challenge the tweaks in the court and announced staging protests as well as boycotting assembly sessions.

The bill was approved within minutes after Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain presented it as the opposition parties had already staged a walkout.

This includes new definitions, the establishment of regulatory and investigative bodies, and stricter penalties for disseminating “false” information.

The government aims to lower the punishment for spreading “fake information” online to three years, according to a draft of the document, while they may also face a fine of up to Rs2 million.

“Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic or disorder or unrest in general public or society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend up to three years or with fine which may extend to two million rupees or with both,” Section 26A of the bill said.

The parliament’s lower house greenlighted the bill hours after journalist bodies — including the PFUJ, Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, and Pakistan Broadcasters Association — had rejected the proposed amendments.

Meanwhile, the newly amended bill also proposes establishment of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Social Media Protection Tribunal.

The statement of objects and reasons said that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to modernise and enhance the legislative framework for combating cybercrime in Pakistan, ensuring alignment with present-day requirements and addressing the growing complexities of cyber threats.

Furthermore, it stated, any person “aggrieved by fake and false information” can approach the authority for removal or blocking access to such information and the authority would issue orders no later than 24 hours on the request.

According to the bill, the authority should consist of a chairperson and eight other members out of which the secretary Ministry of Interior, the Pemra chairman and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman or any member of PTA. “The Chairperson and five members, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the federal government for a non-extendable period of live years,” it added.

The proposed changes also stated that the authority might require any social media platform to enlist with it any manner, form and on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.

It added that apart from the requirements of the act, additional conditions or requisites as deemed appropriate might also be stipulated while enlisting a social media platform.

The bill stated that the authority would have the power to issue directions to a social media platform for removal or blocking of online content if it was against the ideology of Pakistan;

• incites the public to violate the law, take the law into own hands, to coerce, intimidate or terrorise public, individuals, groups, communities, government officials and institutions
• incites the public or section of the public to cause damage to governmental or private property
• coerce or intimidate the public or section of the public and thereby prevent them from carrying on their lawful trade and disrupting civic life
• incite hatred and contempt on religious, sectarian or ethnic basis to stir up violence or cause internal disturbance
• contains anything obscene or pornographic in contravention of any applicable law
• is known to be fake or false or there existed sufficient reasons to believe that the same may be fake or false beyond a reasonable doubt
• contains aspersions against any person, including members of judiciary, armed forces, parliament or a provincial assembly
• or promoted and encouraged terrorism and other forms of violence against the state or its institutions.

Additionally, the newly amendments also proposed the constitution of a Social Media Complaint Council to receive and process complaints made by aggrieved parties against violation of any provision of the cybercrime law.

The bill also proposed the establishment of Social Media Protection Tribunals. Each tribunal will be consisted of a chairperson qualified to be a high court judge, a journalist registered with a press club, and a software engineer.

Tribunals must resolve cases within 90 days, with appeals allowed to the Supreme Court within 60 days.

Meanwhile, it also proposed the establishment of an investigation agency to be called the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for inquiry into, investigation and prosecution of the offences specified under this Act.

PESHAWAR, JAN 27 (APP/DNA): A large convoy of 70 vehicles carrying essential goods has been dispatched to Parachinar, with police and district administration ensuring its safety, and security forces on standby for support.

According to official reports on Monday the convoy aims at supplying Parachinar with essential food items, including flour, oil, vegetables, fruits, and other goods.

The convoy comprises 20 oil tankers and multiple trucks loaded with food and medical supplies. The route starts from Tall and will head towards Parachinar.

Authorities have vowed to deal firmly with any untoward incident.

Government sources revealed that the demolition of illegal bunkers is expected to resume today, besides renovations of damaged buildings in Bagan Bazaar. Efforts to provide financial assistance to the affected people of Kurram District are also underway.

Today’s convoy includes petroleum products, flour, sugar, fruits, vegetables, medicines, and other essentials to meet the needs of the residents.

Government officials stated that tribal elders from Lower Kurram participated in a government jirga held in Kohat the other day, while elders from Upper Kurram and Parachinar declined to attend. However, a government jirga with Upper Kurram and Parachinar leaders is expected soon.

The convoy’s security is being jointly handled by the police, district administration, and security forces. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to take strict action against any disruptions during the operation.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27 /DNA/ – Responding to media speculations, the spokesperson categorically rejected baseless and unfounded allegations to target Pakistan-China friendship. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the foundational principle of the One-China Policy which is a consistent cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and remains unchanged.

The Spokesperson emphasized that China was Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partner. This relationship is characterized by mutual trust, shared values, support on issues of core concern and a commitment to regional and global stability.

KARACHI, JAN 27 /DNA/ – The Joint Action Committee of media bodies consisting of PBA, APNS, CPNE, AEMEND and PFUJ has addressed the following letter to the chairman Standing Committee of Senate on Interior apprising him on the stance of the JAC on the PECA bill.

JAC (Joint Action Committee) is a representative body of all media organizations, PFUJ, CPNE, AEMEND, APNS and PBA. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) wishes to draw your attention to the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) through the PECA Amendment Bill 2025. This bill, which carries significant implications for freedom of the press and freedom of expression, has been introduced without any consultation or discussion with relevant stakeholders, including media and journalist organizations.

At the very outset, it is pertinent to mention that JAC is not against the enactment of laws that regulate media in a manner consistent with democratic norms. However, the process through which this amendment is being advanced—hastily and without meaningful engagement with the stakeholders—contradicts the principles of fairness and the spirit of democracy. Such an approach erodes trust and raises serious concerns about the intent behind the bill, particularly its impact on constitutionally guaranteed rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

We believe that legislation of such importance must be shaped through a transparent, participatory process, ensuring that the concerns, objections, and suggestions of all relevant stakeholders are taken into account. Passing this law in its current form, without addressing these issues, will inevitably be seen as an attempt to stifle dissent and curtail freedoms that are guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan, which is neither acceptable nor justifiable in a democratic society.

Sir, we urge you to give the representatives of JAC a hearing before the committee debates the above-mentioned amendment bill. We would like to put up our serious concerns on certain aspects of this bill which seriously impede freedom of expression.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 26: /DNA/ – The Federal Government, in response to OGRA’s determinations of SNGPL and SSGCL’s Review of Estimated Revenue Requirement for FY 2024-25, has issued advice on gas sale prices.

Effective February 1, 2025, the gas sale price for General Industry (Captive) has been revised from Rs. 3,000/MMBTU to Rs. 3,500/MMBTU.

The gas sale prices for all other consumer categories, including Domestic, Special Roti Tandoor, General Industry (Process), Commercial, CNG, Cement, Fertilizer, and Power, remain unchanged.

This revision has been officially notified in the Official Gazette and is available on OGRA’s website: www.ogra.org.pk.