The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has formally petitioned Pakistan’s Supreme Court to urgently review recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), warning of escalating threats to press freedom and journalist safety.
In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and copied to senior government officials, the global media watchdog highlighted mounting dangers facing Pakistani journalists.
The 2025 PECA amendments, passed through a supplementary agenda in the National Assembly, introduced sweeping changes to Pakistan’s digital governance framework. These include establishing a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) with powers to remove online content and impose penalties. The revised law expands the definition of social media platforms to include access tools and extends jurisdiction over websites and communication channels.
Notably, the amendments disband the FIA Cybercrime Wing, replacing it with a stricter enforcement framework. The new provisions impose severe penalties, including three-year prison terms and Rs2 million fines, for sharing expunged parliamentary content online.
International Federation of Journalists has called on the Supreme Court of Pakistan to urgently review the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), citing what it says are escalating threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country. https://t.co/0u4zSMqHNn
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) July 14, 2025The IFJ letter details an alarming pattern of media suppression, citing seven journalist killings in the past year with no convictions. Their latest report documents 34 press freedom violations, including physical assaults, online harassment, and intimidation campaigns. The federation particularly criticised the FIA’s new authority to act without formal complaints, warning that this enables arbitrary targeting of critical voices.
“These powers risk creating an environment where independent journalism becomes impossible,” the IFJ stated, noting Pakistan’s obligations under international conventions to protect fundamental rights. The letter emphasises how recent legislation has simultaneously eroded workers’ rights through barriers to unionisation and unequal court access.
Read:PTI Challenges PECA Amendments Law in Lahore High Court
The IFJ revealed it has conducted two fact-finding missions to Pakistan, consulting journalists, media owners, and human rights advocates. The federation supports ongoing legal challenges, including a PFUJ petition pending in the Islamabad High Court.
Calling for immediate Supreme Court action, the IFJ demanded a comprehensive judicial review of the PECA amendments, consultation with media stakeholders, and the protection of constitutional free speech rights.
