The Growing Assault on Free Speech in Pakistan

Photo by @Ali Ahmad for ADN
By Fatima Chaudhary
Pakistan’s free speech and journalistic independence are under siege, as draconian legislation tightens its grip on an already stifled digital and media landscape. Recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), spearheaded by Pakistan’s legislature and endorsed by the ruling establishment, are drawing sharp criticism from civil rights groups, journalists, and international watchdogs. These laws not only grant sweeping and arbitrary powers to law enforcement agencies but also raise serious questions about the intentions behind their enactment at a time of heightened political repression.
The roots of these restrictive policies can be traced back to 2016, when PECA was first introduced. Even then, civil society raised alarms about the law’s potential for abuse, pointing out its vague definitions and expansive scope. The passage of PECA was marred by political maneuvering and a lack of transparency. Activists, journalists, and legal experts identified it as a tool that could be weaponized against dissent, and time has only proven their concerns valid.
Over the years, subsequent amendments have exacerbated the situation. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill 2025 is the latest in this lineage, laden with provisions that further limit free speech, criminalize dissent, and empower authorities to act with minimal oversight. Critics argue that these amendments reflect not a genuine attempt to combat cybercrime but a calculated strategy to silence critics and consolidate control over the narrative.
The timing of these amendments raises significant concerns. As opposition leaders and political activists face imprisonment under dubious charges, the legislation appears to be part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent. Experts and observers note that these laws disproportionately target those who challenge government policies or the perceived authority of the state’s security apparatus. Vague terms like “spreading false information” and “stirring public emotions” leave ample room for interpretation, placing unprecedented power in the hands of law enforcement agencies.
A local analyst highlighted how the amendments empower authorities to label criticism of state actions as a threat to national security, making it easier to suppress dissenting voices. In the absence of clear definitions or judicial oversight, these powers can be wielded to criminalize legitimate journalism and activism. The result is a chilling effect on free speech, as individuals and organizations fear retribution for voicing their opinions.
Lawmakers’ role in this debacle cannot be overlooked. Despite fiery speeches and promises to uphold democratic values, the legislative process has been marked by haste and a lack of consultation. Civil society and journalists have decried the absence of meaningful engagement, noting that the government bypassed critical oversight mechanisms to push the amendments through Parliament.
Moreover, the judiciary’s failure to protect fundamental rights has compounded the issue. Courts have been inundated with petitions challenging government actions under PECA, but these cases often languish without resolution. This legal inertia further emboldens authorities to act with impunity, knowing that checks and balances are effectively absent.
The amendments pose a direct threat to journalists, many of whom are already working under precarious conditions. By criminalizing the dissemination of “false news,” the government has created a legal framework to target those who report on sensitive issues, such as corruption, security lapses, or human rights abuses. The penalties—up to three years in prison or fines of 20 million rupees—are disproportionate and aimed at instilling fear.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association have all condemned the amendments proposed and called for their withdrawal. Amnesty International has also come out against these amendments and mentioned that they would be a threat to the freedom of expression in Pakistan and further increase the grip of government on digital media.
A local journalist emphasized the inherent flaws in the legislation, pointing out that its vague language allows authorities to interpret the law as they see fit. This lack of clarity makes it impossible for journalists to know where the line is drawn, effectively forcing them to self-censor. Furthermore, the proposed establishment of a “social media safety and management agency” has raised alarms about increased surveillance and the erosion of privacy.
Civil rights advocates argue that these legislative efforts serve a broader agenda: maintaining the status quo and solidifying the grip of the ruling elite. The involvement of security institutions in shaping these policies has been a recurring theme, with many observers pointing to their vested interest in controlling the flow of information. This nexus between the government and the military establishment ensures that dissenting voices are systematically silenced, whether through legal means or extrajudicial measures.
A human rights activist noted that the amendments perpetuate a culture of fear, where individuals are deterred from engaging in political discourse or holding authorities accountable. By restricting access to information and limiting the ability to question power, the government is undermining the very foundations of democracy.
Despite these challenges, resistance to the amendments remains strong. Journalist organizations, civil society groups, and international watchdogs have condemned the legislation, with many announcing plans to challenge it in court. Protests and advocacy campaigns aim to raise awareness about the dangers posed by these laws and to pressure the government into reconsidering its approach.
However, meaningful change will require more than public outcry. Observers stress the need for sustained engagement with lawmakers and the judiciary to ensure that fundamental rights are upheld. Additionally, there is a pressing need to reform PECA and similar laws in line with international human rights standards, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the protection of free speech.
The curtailment of free speech and restrictions on journalists in Pakistan through draconian legislation mark a troubling regression for the country’s democratic values. At a time when opposition voices are being silenced and critical institutions are being undermined, the motives behind these laws are clear: to serve the self-interest of those in power. It is imperative for all stakeholders—civil society, journalists, and the international community—to unite in resisting these measures and advocating for a future where freedom of expression is not just a constitutional promise but a lived reality.
Fatima Chaudhary is a lecturer at a private university in Punjab province.
Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.