Latest civic space and digital threat updates from across Pakistan.
At the National Journalists Convention in Islamabad, leading media bodies rejected the 2025 PECA amendments as a 'Black Law', alleging judicial harassment, travel restrictions and use of state advertising to pressure outlets; they demanded case withdrawals and parliamentary review.
Read full updateThe Pakistan Peoples Party’s Human Rights Cell called for a broad review of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), saying the law should be brought in line with constitutional protections and international human rights standards instead of being used to curb dissent.
Read full updateThe newly established Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) in Pakistan has begun formulating its rules and regulations, marking a key step toward implementing its mandate to regulate digital platforms and online content in the country. The authority, created under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), is responsible for overseeing social media platforms operating in Pakistan.
Read full updateHuman rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari on Monday approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan against an order of the Islamabad High Court declining to suspend her sentence in a case filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA), 2016.
Read full updatePakistan logged 187 cases under Section 26A of PECA 2025, penalising intentional online spread of false or harmful information with up to three years' jail and Rs2m fines; critics warn the law's broad wording may enable selective use and chill reporting.
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Protection Desk