A bill was presented on Wednesday in the National Assembly (NA) to amend the country’s cybercrime law, known as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, according to a report by Dawn.com.
The proposed changes include a three-year jail term for spreading disinformation and the dissolution of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing to create a new investigation authority. In addition, a new agency with the ability to partially or completely block social media content or platforms will be established.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar put forward the proposed changes on the interior minister’s behalf. The PECA (Amendment) Bill will be discussed today by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior.
“Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows 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 Rs2m or with both,” the revised draft of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 reads.
According to the report, the bill says that the new investigation authority — “Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority” — will be based in Islamabad. It could also set up offices in other provinces.
The amendments require the registration of social media platforms with a new authority.
