The provided text expresses strong opposition to Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), now amended and enacted as PECCA. Critics argue the act stifles free speech and journalistic integrity, citing concerns over unwarranted arrests, censorship, and the potential for misuse by authorities. The law establishes a regulatory body with broad powers to remove content deemed illegal, including material critical of the government or military. Opponents fear this will lead to increased authoritarianism and the suppression of dissent, drawing parallels to North Korea and highlighting the historical silencing of critical voices and perspectives in Pakistan. The text also laments the loss of diverse voices and the suppression of historical narratives, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression.

PECCA Act Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences.

1. What is the PECCA Act, and what is its stated purpose?
2. What does the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority do, according to the text?
3. What kind of actions are considered violations of the PECCA Act and what penalties do these actions carry?
4. According to the author, what are the negative consequences of allowing the spread of misinformation on social media?
5. What concerns does the author express regarding the potential misuse of the PECCA Act by enforcers?
6. What is the author’s critique of how the PECCA Act was passed and who was consulted in the process?
7. How does the author suggest the government should address the issues of social media misinformation?
8. What historical examples does the author use to support the argument that restrictions on expression stifle creativity and intellectual growth?
9. How does the author describe the contrast between the treatment of Mahatma Gandhi in Pakistani society and the historical role he played in defending Muslims?
10. What is the author’s concluding plea regarding the current state of freedom of expression in Pakistan?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The PECCA Act, or the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2025, is a law intended to prevent the spread of fake news, especially on social media. It aims to regulate online content through a newly established authority.
2. The Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority is responsible for ensuring the protection of social media users. This involves registering social media platforms, taking disciplinary action against platforms that violate the PECCA Act, and issuing instructions for removing illegal content.
3. Actions considered violations include spreading fake news and other content deemed illegal under the act. Penalties for such violations include imprisonment for up to three years, fines up to 20 lakhs, and law enforcement can make arrests without a warrant.
4. The author states that the spread of misinformation creates a situation where it is impossible to distinguish between truth and falsehood, with lies often overshadowing the truth. Additionally, the author believes that this misbehavior is harming the honor of honorable people.
5. The author fears that enforcers will misuse the law, potentially leading to bribery and causing innocent people to feel oppressed, questioning their place in society. The author also highlights a lack of transparency in enforcement.
6. The author criticizes the lack of consultation with journalist organizations while forming the law, as well as political contradictions and hypocrisy from politicians who initially opposed the law but ultimately passed it.
7. The author suggests that the government should involve all stakeholders in the process, encouraging open dialogue to find a unanimous solution. The author argues against forcing the issue and stifling dissenting voices.
8. The author uses the historical example of literature published during British rule that was not restricted, and contrasts it with the current climate. The author argues that this stifles the emergence of intellectual figures like Sarsaid, Ghalib, and Mir.
9. The author describes Mahatma Gandhi as being presented in Pakistani society as cunning and fraudulent, despite his actions in protecting Muslims in Nawakhali and Kolkata and his support for Pakistan getting its fair share of revenue.
10. The author makes a plea for the cessation of the suppression of freedom of expression and the humiliation of human rights under the guise of ideology, arguing that society is being suffocated by such practices and needs a break from it.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the author’s critique of the PECCA Act, focusing on the specific arguments made against the law and the potential consequences of its implementation.
2. Discuss the author’s use of historical examples and figures to support the claim that restricting freedom of expression can be detrimental to society. How effective are these comparisons?
3. Evaluate the author’s contrasting portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi’s role in history, specifically with the commonly held views in Pakistan.
4. Explore the author’s concerns about the relationship between law enforcement and individual freedoms, as expressed through the critique of the PECCA Act, and how this relates to the broader societal themes of the piece.
5. Discuss the author’s argument about the necessity of considering and involving all stakeholders in major decisions regarding legislation in a democratic parliamentary system.

Glossary of Key Terms

PECCA Act: The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2025. A law enacted to regulate electronic media and prevent the spread of misinformation.

Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority: A newly established authority responsible for overseeing social media platforms and ensuring compliance with the PECCA Act.

Fake News: Misleading or false information presented as news, often spread through social media.

Misinformation: Incorrect or misleading information, regardless of intent.

Law Enforcement Agencies: Government bodies tasked with enforcing laws and maintaining order.

Freedom of Expression: The right to express one’s opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal.

Stakeholders: Individuals or groups with a vested interest in an issue or decision.

Democratic Parliamentary Principles: The principles of governance that prioritize the consent of the governed through elected representatives and uphold civil liberties and freedoms.

Ideology of Pakistan: A set of beliefs and principles that define the identity and direction of Pakistan.

Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms inherent to all individuals, regardless of nationality, gender, ethnicity, or other status.

PECCA Act and Freedom of Expression in Pakistan

Okay, here’s a briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from the provided text, which I will refer to as “the Source”:

Briefing Document: Analysis of Source on PECCA Act and Freedom of Expression in Pakistan

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Analysis of concerns regarding the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECCA) 2025 in Pakistan and its impact on freedom of expression.

Introduction:

This briefing document analyzes a recent text expressing strong concerns regarding the newly enacted Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECCA) 2025 in Pakistan. The Source argues that while the law aims to curb misinformation and protect citizens, its broad powers and lack of consultation with stakeholders could lead to the suppression of freedom of speech and human rights. It also touches on historical context and the suppression of dissenting voices in the country.

Key Themes & Ideas:

1. The PECCA Act and Its Provisions:

• The Source describes the PECCA Act as a law ostensibly designed to combat fake news and protect social media users.
• It highlights the establishment of a “Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority,” granting it powers to:
• Register and terminate the registration of social media platforms.
• Take disciplinary action against platforms violating the PECA Act.
• Order the removal of “illegal content.”
• Block content deemed against the “ideology of Pakistan” or critical of the armed forces, Parliament, or Provincial Assemblies.
• Punishments for spreading “fake news” are described as severe: imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 2 million Rupees.
• Law enforcement agencies are permitted to arrest individuals without warrants.
• Quote: “The person spreading fake news will be imprisoned for three years or up to 20 lakhs. Fine will be imposed under this law. Law enforcement agencies will not need any kind of warrant for arrest.”

1. Concerns about Freedom of Speech & Abuse of Power:

• The Source expresses significant concern that the PECCA Act will be used to suppress dissenting voices and criticism of the government.
• It highlights the broad definition of “illegal content” and the potential for abuse by enforcers.
• The author suggests the law could be misused to silence those who hold different opinions from the government.
• Quote: “But in what ways and tricks do the enforcers misuse him that the innocent in his shackles screams that he should not live in this society, of bribery in the name of law enforcement A new bazaar opens”.
• The author implies that the law can be a tool for corruption.
• It’s argued that this suppression is happening under the guise of preventing misbehavior and protecting “honorable” people, while in reality, it silences truth and dissent.
• The author points out that even if voices are suppressed internally, they may continue to arise from abroad, highlighting that the development of electronic media cannot be easily reversed.
• Quote: “It’s true that the characterization of any personality is unacceptable but human rights and freedoms are not suppressed under the guise of this evil. You can go by force, you will suppress the voices raised against you out of fear or punishment inside the country, but when these voices are sitting abroad.”

1. Lack of Consultation & Democratic Deficit:

• The Source criticizes the government for not consulting with media organizations and other stakeholders before enacting the law.
• This lack of consultation is seen as a violation of democratic principles, particularly by the journalist community.
• The author points out the contradictory actions of political figures regarding their support to this act.
• Quote: “But on the other hand, it should also be considered with how good words any lawmaker in our society is made…the objection of journalist organizations is hundred percent correct that no kind of consultation was taken with them while forming the law in this regard.”

1. Historical and Societal Context:

• The Source draws parallels between the current situation and historical instances of suppression of freedom of expression, questioning the societal stifling of original thought and open conversation.
• It uses examples of Sarsaid, Ghalib, and Mir, lamenting that such thinkers and open literature is difficult to achieve in the present time.
• It also points out the suppression of religious expression, mentioning how even simple greetings are becoming a point of contention.
• Quote: “Instead of saying goodbye, the extremism of these mullahs is not limited to mosques, but they are roaming around in the market. In such an atmosphere, the people with higher human ideals and unity of the religion will be found hiding in bills like criminals of society.”
• The Source points to the current suppression and misrepresentation of history in Pakistani school curriculums by bringing up the example of Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions and how it was not published in local papers, while also citing his efforts to protect muslims in India during the partition.
• It juxtaposes this with how Hindus were treated in Pakistan post partition.
• Quote: “This city Lahore, which was built by Hindus, wise men, and associates together with the British government to become a developed city of knowledge, knowledge and wisdom and vast al-Mushrabi.”…”In contrast, our people cut Hindus in Lahore like carrots and radishes in such a way that Baqi-ul-Saif ran away to save their lives from fear.”

Conclusion:

The Source expresses deep concern that the PECCA Act, despite its stated goals, poses a significant threat to freedom of expression and human rights in Pakistan. It argues that the law’s broad language, lack of consultation, and severe penalties create an environment where dissenting voices can be easily silenced. The author believes this law is a step backwards, preventing free exchange of ideas and perpetuating a cycle of fear and suppression, and draws on historical examples to strengthen their arguments. The briefing concludes with a call to take all stakeholders into confidence to find a unanimous solution to the problem, as well as a plea to end the suppression and human rights violations being conducted in the name of Pakistan’s Ideology.

Recommendations:

• Advocate for greater transparency and consultation in the creation and implementation of laws affecting freedom of expression.
• Call for a review of the PECCA Act to ensure that it adheres to international human rights standards and doesn’t become a tool for censorship.
• Encourage open dialogue and debate about the balance between protecting citizens from harmful content and preserving fundamental rights.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the issues raised by the Source. Further investigation and dialogue are necessary to address these concerns.

The PECCA Act: A Critical Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions about the PECCA Act

1. What is the PECCA Act and what is its stated purpose?
2. The PECCA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) Act of 2025 in Pakistan is designed to regulate online content, particularly on social media. The stated purpose is to combat the spread of “fake news” and protect social media users from harmful activities, as well as prevent content that opposes the ideology of Pakistan and that are deemed to be against the armed forces, Parliament, or Provincial Assemblies.
3. How will the PECCA Act be enforced?
4. The PECCA Act will be enforced by a newly established Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. This authority will be responsible for registering social media platforms, ensuring compliance with the act, removing illegal content, and imposing disciplinary actions on platforms that violate the law. Victims of illegal activities on social media are required to file a complaint to this authority within 24 hours. Law enforcement agencies are empowered to make arrests without a warrant under this act.
5. What kind of content is considered illegal under the PECCA Act?
6. The act prohibits content that is considered “fake news,” opposes the ideology of Pakistan, encourages lawbreaking, or is against the armed forces, Parliament, or Provincial Assemblies. Additionally, content that promotes misbehavior and undermines the honor of individuals is targeted. This broad categorization raises concerns that many types of speech can be captured by the law.
7. What are the penalties for violating the PECCA Act?
8. Individuals found spreading “fake news” or violating other provisions of the PECCA Act can face imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine of up to 2 million rupees. Platforms that fail to comply with the Act’s guidelines can also be subjected to penalties.
9. What are the main criticisms of the PECCA Act?
10. Critics argue that the PECCA Act infringes upon fundamental human rights and freedoms, particularly freedom of expression. Concerns have been raised about the lack of consultation with journalists and other stakeholders in the development of the law, and the potential for misuse by authorities to suppress dissent and criticism. There are also concerns about the speed with which the law was passed without proper debate or consideration. Many argue that while misinformation is an issue, this is not the way to fix it.
11. How does the PECCA Act affect freedom of expression in Pakistan?
12. Many believe that the PECCA Act severely restricts freedom of expression by giving authorities broad power to censor and punish individuals or organizations for expressing certain ideas or opinions online. The law’s broad language allows for subjective interpretations of what constitutes “fake news,” or an affront to Pakistan’s ideology. This can lead to a chilling effect, where individuals are afraid to express their thoughts and views, particularly when critical of the government or societal norms, out of fear of legal repercussions.
13. What is the broader context of concerns about free speech in Pakistan mentioned in the source?
14. The source suggests that historically, the country has struggled with freedom of speech. The source contrasts the open discourse available in the past with the highly restricted expression of opinion that has been enabled by the current restrictions. It is suggested that the societal suppression of voices is producing less innovation and is causing people to hide their opinions, while the more radical opinions continue to circulate. The source also links freedom of expression to a lack of tolerance for ideas that don’t align with the status quo and an intolerance for those perceived to be “other”.
15. What concerns do critics have about the long-term consequences of the PECCA Act?
16. Critics worry that the PECCA Act will further stifle intellectual discourse and innovation within the country and lead to an increased intolerance of dissenting opinions. They argue that the Act is part of a pattern of suppressing critical voices which will lead to a more closed and less democratic society. They believe that the issues of truth and misinformation are complex and can’t be solved by legislation that shuts down open debate, or that such laws will simply push discourse underground to places that are even less amenable to conversation.

Pakistan’s PECA Act: Controversy and Concerns

The sources discuss the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2025, which is controversial and has generated significant debate [1]. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• Purpose of PECA: The stated goal of the PECA Act is to combat fake news, particularly on social media, and protect social media users [1]. It also aims to address the perceived “storm of misbehavior” on social media, where it’s claimed that the honor of individuals is at risk and distinguishing between truth and falsehood has become difficult [2, 3].
• Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority: The Act establishes a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority [1]. This authority will:
• Ensure the protection of social media users [1].
• Allow the registration of social media platforms and terminate registrations [1].
• Take disciplinary action against platforms violating the PECA Act [2].
• Issue instructions for removing illegal content from social media [2].
• Block materials that are against the ideology of Pakistan, encourage law-breaking, or are deemed illegal against the Armed Forces, Parliament, or Provincial Assemblies [2].
• Enforcement and Penalties:Victims of illegal activities on social media are required to file a complaint to the authority within 24 hours [2].
• Individuals spreading fake news can be imprisoned for up to three years and/or fined up to 20 lakhs [2].
• Law enforcement agencies do not need a warrant for arrests under this law [2].
• Criticisms and Concerns:Lack of Consultation: Journalist organizations and politicians have criticized the law for being formed without proper consultation [3]. It is alleged that no consultation was taken with journalist organizations while forming the law [3].
• Suppression of Freedom of Speech: The Act is accused of suppressing human rights and freedoms under the guise of preventing “evil” [4]. There are concerns that it will lead to a stifled society and that the government will suppress voices raised against them [4].
• Potential for Misuse: There are fears that the law can be misused by enforcers, potentially leading to bribery and the suffering of innocent people [3].
• Hypocrisy and Contradictions: Politicians are criticizing each other, and there is an indication that promises were broken in the passing of the act [3].
• Impact on Open Discourse: The law is seen as further limiting the freedom of expression in Pakistan, which is already considered to be suffocated [4]. The sources make the case that it will discourage open discussion of ideas, similar to what happened during the British colonial period [4].
• Comparisons and Concerns:The situation is being compared to North Korea in terms of restrictions on free speech [3].
• The sources note that even if voices are suppressed within the country, they will still emerge from people abroad [4].

In summary, the PECA Act is presented as a controversial law intended to regulate social media and combat fake news but is criticized for its potential to suppress freedom of expression, lack of consultation, and potential for misuse [1-4].

PECA, Fake News, and Freedom of Expression in Pakistan

The sources discuss fake news in the context of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), highlighting its role as a primary justification for the law, as well as concerns about how the law might be misused [1]. Here’s a breakdown of what the sources say about fake news:

• PECA’s Stated Aim: One of the main reasons given for the enactment of the PECA Act is to stop the spread of fake news, particularly on social media platforms [1]. The act is presented as a necessary measure to combat what is described as a “storm of misbehavior” on social media, where it has become hard to differentiate between truth and falsehood [2].
• Social Media as a Source of Fake News: The sources emphasize that social media is the primary platform of concern when it comes to the spread of fake news [1]. The law specifically targets the spread of false information on these platforms. The PECA act was created in response to the perception that social media is a place where “the honor of an honorable person is not safe” and “the lie seems more prominent and overshadowed by the force of propaganda as opposed to the truth” [2].
• Penalties for Spreading Fake News: Under the PECA act, individuals who spread fake news can face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 20 lakhs [3]. This shows the seriousness with which the government is addressing the issue of fake news, according to the law’s supporters.
• Concerns About the Definition of Fake News: The sources do not give a clear, objective definition of what constitutes “fake news.” This lack of clarity is a major concern for critics of the PECA act. It is also concerning that the definition of “illegal content” can be decided by the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority [3]. The sources emphasize that without clear definitions, the law is prone to misuse and can be used to suppress freedom of expression and silence dissent, with “fake news” being used as a pretext [2, 4].
• Impact on Truth and Open Discourse: The sources suggest that the focus on combating fake news is being used to justify the suppression of any information that the government or other authorities might not like, and it might become difficult for people to distinguish between truth and falsehood [2]. It suggests that the heavy handed approach of the PECA Act could potentially make it more difficult to have open discussions about sensitive topics, and this will harm the society [4].
• Lack of Transparency: The sources argue that one of the issues with the PECA Act is that it was not formed in consultation with all stakeholders, and journalist organizations were not included in the drafting of the law [2]. This lack of transparency, combined with a lack of clarity about what constitutes “fake news,” has led to widespread distrust of the government’s intentions.
• Potential for Misuse: There are fears that the law, under the guise of stopping fake news, can be used to silence voices of dissent and target those who criticize the government or other powerful institutions. It could be used to suppress any criticism or opposing viewpoints, with authorities labeling those as “fake news.” This is a concern based on the idea that enforcers could misuse the law for bribery and other corrupt practices [2].

In summary, the sources present a view of fake news as a major concern that the PECA Act attempts to address. However, they also raise significant concerns about how the term ‘fake news’ might be used as a justification to restrict freedom of expression and punish critics of the government, particularly given the lack of a clear definition and a process that lacks transparency and consultation [2, 4].

PECA Act and Social Media in Pakistan

The sources discuss social media in the context of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2025, highlighting both the perceived problems associated with it and the government’s attempts to regulate it [1, 2]. Here’s a breakdown of what the sources say about social media:

• Social Media as a Problem: The sources portray social media as a platform rife with issues, specifically the spread of “fake news” and “misbehavior” [1, 3]. It’s suggested that the honor of individuals is not safe and it has become hard to distinguish between truth and falsehood on these platforms [3]. The sources claim that lies seem to be more prominent than truth due to the force of propaganda [3].
• PECA Act’s Focus on Social Media: The PECA Act is primarily aimed at regulating social media. The act seeks to control the content on these platforms, and the law itself was created in response to the perception that social media is a place where “the honor of an honorable person is not safe” and “the lie seems more prominent and overshadowed by the force of propaganda as opposed to the truth” [1-3].
• Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority: The PECA act establishes the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, which has broad powers over social media platforms. This authority will be responsible for the following [1]:
• Registration and Termination: The authority will allow the registration of social media platforms and also have the power to terminate those registrations [1].
• Disciplinary Actions: The authority can take disciplinary action against social media platforms that violate the PECA Act [2].
• Content Removal: The authority can issue instructions for removing illegal content from social media [2].
• Blocking Powers: The authority is allowed to block materials that are against the ideology of Pakistan, encourage breaking the law, or are deemed illegal against the Armed Forces, Parliament, or Provincial Assemblies [2].
• Impact on Social Media Users:24 Hour Complaint Window: The sources state that victims of illegal activities on social media are required to file a complaint to the authority within 24 hours [2]. This may pose challenges and limit the time users have to react to online abuse, depending on their circumstances.
• Penalties for Spreading Fake News: Individuals spreading “fake news” on social media can be imprisoned for up to three years or fined up to 20 lakhs [2].
• Concerns about the PECA Act and its impact on social media:
• Suppression of Freedom of Expression: The sources express concern that the PECA act is being used as a way to suppress freedom of speech, particularly on social media [3, 4]. The law’s aim to control the spread of fake news can easily be misused to silence criticism [4].
• Lack of Transparency: The PECA act was formed without consulting all stakeholders. Journalists were not consulted in drafting the law, raising concerns about the fairness and potential for misuse of the law [3].
• Potential for Misuse: Critics are concerned that the law could be misused by enforcers, leading to bribery and the persecution of innocent individuals. This suggests a lack of trust in the government’s intentions and the way that the law might be implemented [3].
• Suffocation of Society: It’s suggested that the PECA Act and the way freedom of expression is being treated in the name of the ideology of Pakistan is contributing to a suffocated and narrow minded society [4].
• Social Media as a Platform for Dissent: Despite the government’s attempts to control social media, the sources acknowledge that people will still find ways to express themselves, even if they are suppressed within the country. This suggests that the government might not be able to stop dissent effectively and that voices may emerge from people outside the country [4].

In summary, the sources present social media as a battleground for control over information, with the government attempting to regulate it through the PECA Act, while critics express concerns about freedom of expression, potential misuse of power, and a stifled society.

PECA Act and Freedom of Speech in Pakistan

The sources discuss freedom of speech primarily in the context of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and its perceived impact on the ability of people to express themselves [1, 2]. Here’s a breakdown of what the sources say about freedom of speech:

• PECA Act and Restrictions on Free Speech: The sources indicate that the PECA Act is viewed as a significant threat to freedom of speech [1, 2]. While the stated intention of the law is to combat fake news and protect social media users, critics argue that it is being used to suppress dissent and restrict the ability of people to express their opinions [2, 3]. The law is seen as a tool to control what people can say, especially on social media [1, 2].
• Lack of Consultation and Transparency: The sources criticize the way the PECA Act was formed, noting that there was a lack of consultation with journalist organizations and other stakeholders [3]. This lack of transparency is viewed as an indication that the law was designed to restrict freedom of speech rather than to genuinely address the problem of fake news [3, 4].
• Concerns about Misuse: There is significant concern that the law will be misused by those in power to silence criticism and target opponents. The vague definition of “illegal content” and “fake news” in the law is a major concern [2, 3]. Critics suggest that these terms can be used as a pretext to suppress any speech that the government or other authorities find objectionable [2-4].
• Suppression of Dissent and Criticism: The sources argue that the PECA Act is being used to suppress voices raised against the government and other powerful institutions. The law enables the authorities to block materials that are deemed to be against the ideology of Pakistan or that encourage citizens to break the law [2]. This could include any expression of dissent or any information that is critical of the government or other authorities [3].
• Impact on Society: The sources suggest that the restrictions on freedom of speech imposed by the PECA act are leading to a suffocated and narrow-minded society [4]. They point out that the treatment of freedom of expression in the name of the ideology of Pakistan is making society more closed and less tolerant of different opinions [3, 4]. The sources also note that in this environment people with “higher human ideals” are being forced into hiding [4].
• Historical Context: The sources draw a parallel between the current restrictions on freedom of speech and those imposed during the British colonial period, suggesting that even the literature that was published during that era could not be openly expressed in the current environment [4]. The sources lament the fact that the current situation is stifling creativity and open discourse, making it impossible to have conversations similar to those of thinkers in the past [4].
• Voices of Dissent: Despite the attempts to suppress freedom of expression, the sources indicate that people will find ways to express themselves, even if they are suppressed within the country [4]. They suggest that these voices may emerge from people abroad if necessary, implying that the government’s efforts to control speech will not be entirely successful [4].

In summary, the sources portray a concerning picture of freedom of speech in the context of the PECA Act. The law is criticized for being a tool to suppress dissent, with broad powers to control the content of social media. This has led to fears that open dialogue will be stifled, human rights will be violated, and the society will become narrow minded [2-4].

PECA Act and Human Rights in Pakistan

The sources discuss human rights primarily in the context of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and its impact on freedom of expression and the broader society. Here’s a breakdown of how the sources address human rights:

• Suppression of Human Rights: The sources express concern that the PECA Act is being used to suppress human rights under the guise of preventing the spread of misinformation and protecting the ideology of Pakistan [1, 2]. It’s suggested that the law’s true purpose is to control dissent and restrict freedom of speech, thereby infringing on basic human rights [1, 2].
• Violation of Freedom of Expression: The sources highlight that the PECA Act violates freedom of expression, which is a fundamental human right [1, 2]. The law gives authorities the power to block content deemed against the ideology of Pakistan or that encourages citizens to break the law, effectively limiting people’s ability to express their opinions and criticisms [3]. The sources note that this is a violation of democratic parliamentary principles [1].
• Humiliation of Human Dignity: The sources note that the act leads to the humiliation of human dignity [4]. It is argued that by restricting freedom of expression, the government is not only controlling what people can say but also undermining their basic dignity as individuals.
• Lack of Due Process: The sources imply a lack of due process under the PECA Act. Law enforcement agencies are not required to obtain a warrant for arrests, which is a major concern from a human rights perspective [3]. This suggests the potential for arbitrary arrests and abuses of power.
• Impact on Society: The sources suggest that the PECA act and the manner in which freedom of expression is being treated is contributing to a suffocated and narrow-minded society [1, 2]. In such an environment, people with “higher human ideals” are being forced into hiding [2]. This suggests that basic human rights are not being respected.
• Historical Context: The sources draw a parallel between current restrictions on freedom of expression and those imposed during British colonial rule [2]. It points out that even the literature that was published in that era could not be openly expressed in the current environment, further implying a lack of respect for human rights.
• Calls for Action: The sources call on the rulers to stop the suppression of freedom of expression and humiliation of human rights [4]. The sources express concern that the society is suffocating and call for an environment where people can breathe more freely [4]. They demand that the government respect basic rights of its citizens [4].

In summary, the sources portray the PECA Act as a significant threat to human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression, and that this law is leading to a stifled and fearful society, where the basic dignity and human rights of individuals are not respected.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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