PECA approval seen as clampdown on free speech: Fake News Watchdog
Pakistan
'Govt fails to curb misinformation through non-legislative measures before introducing harsh law'
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Following the approval of the PECA Amendment Bill 2025 by President Zardari, Fake News Watchdog has released a 45-page report condemning the law as "an attack on democratic values".
The watchdog expressed concerns over the controversial and vague definition of fake news in the legislation, warning that strict penalties and heavy fines could suppress public opinion.
The report highlights that the government has failed to curb misinformation through non-legislative measures before introducing harsh regulations.
According to the report, stakeholders were not consulted during the legislative process, and the law’s approval could pose diplomatic challenges for Pakistan.
It also includes a comparative analysis of PECA 2025 with media laws in China, US, India, Turkiye, and the UK.
Political parties, including the PPP and the PTI, have voiced their concern over hasty approval of the law.
