Authorities have registered three more cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for allegedly spreading propaganda against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and state institutions on social media.
Police reported that cases were filed at the Shahdara, Shahdara Town, and Kot Lakhpat police stations under various serious charges, including provisions of PECA. The FIRs allege that the accused employed artificial intelligence (AI) to produce manipulated videos of Maryam Nawaz, purportedly to advance an anti-state agenda online.
The allegations indicate that a particular political group is responsible for creating false videos with the intent to provoke unrest. No arrests have been made to date.Enforcement of the PECA and the occurrence of political arrests
Earlier this month, Shabbir Ahmed, a leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), was arrested in Mansehra under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for delivering a speech critical of the government and state institutions during Kashmir Solidarity Day. The arrest has heightened concerns regarding the implementation of the contentious law.HRCP raises concerns over PECA 2025
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed significant concerns regarding the enactment of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The organization has urged comprehensive discussion in the Senate prior to implementation, cautioning that the law may be utilized to stifle journalists, political leaders, and social activists.
The HRCP has criticized the bill’s emphasis on “fake or false news,” contending that it poses a threat to essential human rights and press freedom.
As debate over PECA 2025 intensifies, rights groups and opposition leaders continue to demand greater transparency and safeguards against potential misuse of the law.
