PECA Act a blackish law
PECA has been criticized for its lack of safeguards against abuse of power by law enforcement agencies.

Dr Zain Ullah Khattak
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in Pakistan has been a controversial topic since its introduction in 2016. Many critics argue that this law is a blackish law that restricts freedom of speech and expression online. PECA was meant to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from online harassment, but it has been used by the government to silence dissenting voices and stifle political opposition.
One of the main issues with PECA is its vague and broad definitions of offenses, which can lead to arbitrary arrests and charges. The law criminalizes a wide range of activities, including cyberstalking, cyberterrorism, and hate speech, but these terms are not clearly defined, leaving room for interpretation and misuse by authorities. This ambiguity has resulted in the targeting of journalists, activists, and social media users who criticize the government or express dissenting views.
Another problematic aspect of PECA is its harsh penalties, which include fines, imprisonment, and even death sentences for certain offenses. These severe punishments have created a chilling effect on freedom of speech and expression online, as individuals fear repercussions for speaking out against the government or sharing controversial content. The law also allows for the blocking and removal of online content without due process, further restricting access to information and limiting the free flow of ideas.
Moreover, PECA has been criticized for its lack of safeguards against abuse of power by law enforcement agencies. The law grants authorities broad surveillance powers, allowing them to monitor online activity, intercept communications, and access personal data without judicial oversight. This has raised concerns about the violation of privacy rights and the potential for abuse by government officials to target political opponents and suppress dissent.
In addition, PECA has been used to target marginalized groups, including religious minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and women. The law criminalizes blasphemy and obscenity online, leading to the persecution of individuals who express dissenting religious views or advocate for gender equality. This has further marginalized vulnerable populations and restricted their ability to participate in public discourse and advocacy efforts.
Furthermore, PECA has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The law allows for secret trials, closed-door proceedings, and gag orders on information related to cybercrime cases, making it difficult for the public to scrutinize the actions of law enforcement agencies and hold them accountable for any abuses of power. This lack of transparency undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the justice system.
Moreover, PECA has been used to target journalists and media outlets that report critically on government policies and actions. The law criminalizes defamation and false information online, giving authorities the power to prosecute journalists for publishing content that is deemed defamatory or false. This has had a chilling effect on press freedom and investigative journalism, as reporters fear legal repercussions for exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable.
In conclusion, PECA is a blackish law in Pakistan that undermines freedom of speech and expression online. The law’s vague definitions, harsh penalties, lack of safeguards against abuse of power, targeting of marginalized groups, lack of transparency and accountability, and stifling of press freedom have all contributed to its negative impact on democracy and human rights in the country. It is essential for the government to reexamine and reform PECA to ensure that it upholds the principles of justice, transparency, and respect for human rights in Pakistan.