The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in Pakistan, initially enacted in 2016, aimed to address cybercrime and regulate electronic communication. However, recent amendments to the PECA Act have sparked significant controversy and protests.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was instrumental in bringing the PECA Act into law in 2016. During Imran Khan’s tenure, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government strengthened the act, which led to increased scrutiny and penalties for online content. This resulted in PML-N members and supporters facing legal challenges and censorship under the very law they had enacted.
During Imran Khan’s rule, the PTI government further strengthened the PECA Act, introducing amendments that increased penalties for spreading disinformation and established the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) to regulate online content. This move was seen as an attempt to control the narrative and suppress dissent, which later backfired as PTI members and supporters also faced legal actions under the same law.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as an ally of the PML-N-led government, supported the recent amendments to the PECA Act. This support has drawn criticism from journalists, human rights organizations, and opposition parties, who argue that the amendments threaten press freedom and freedom of expression. As a result, the PPP may face backlash from its supporters and the media, leading to potential political repercussions in the future.
Both the PPP and PML-N may suffer in the future due to the PECA Act and its amendments. The broad powers granted to the government-controlled regulatory authority, tribunals, and agencies under the act can be used to target political opponents and control the narrative on social and digital media. This means that any party in power can use the law to suppress dissent and opposition, leading to a cycle of political repression that affects all parties, including the PPP and PML-N.
In summary, the PECA Act’s stringent regulations and penalties for online content have created a challenging environment for political parties in Pakistan. The PML-N and PPP, having played significant roles in enacting and supporting the amendments, may face continued scrutiny and backlash as the law is used to control political narratives and suppress dissent.