Senate committee approves controversial PECA Amendment Bill

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior met today, under the chair of Faisal Saleem Rehman. The Committee approved the controversial PECA amendment bill.

The National Assembly had already approved the bill on January 23. Home Secretary has said that the PECA law is for the protection of the people. “The government has brought amendments for better implementation of the law. The bill passed by the National Assembly should be passed in the same form.”

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While opposition from journalist organisations continue with regards to the bill, Senator Irfan Siddiqui said in the meeting that some of the amendments were agreed upon in the meeting of journalists with the Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The Chairman of the standing committee questions sought a response from journalist organisations for not submitting written recommendations, according to their objections.

During the meeting, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) leader Kamran Murtaza opposes the PECA Bill.

PECA BILL

Under the amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 [PECA Act], the federal government has decided to set up a “Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA)” to regulate social media platforms. A National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and a Social Media Protection Tribunal (SMPT) will also be established under the amended Act.

The DRPA will have the power to remove online content. It will also have the power to access prohibited or obscene content. The authority will have the power to take action against those involved in sharing prohibited content.

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The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) will investigate cases related to cybercrime. After the establishment of the NCCIA, all cybercrime offices and cases of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will be transferred to the agency.

The Social Media Protection Tribunal (SMPT) hear cases related to social media, and is required to dispose of the cases within 90 days. The decision of the tribunal can be challenged only in the Supreme Court. The decision of the tribunal can be challenged within 60 days of its decision.

OPPOSITION FROM RIGHTS GROUPS

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed “deep concern” over the PECA amendment bill.

In a statement, the HRCP said that the state’s poor record on protecting freedom of digital expression, the bill is likely to become yet another means of targeting political workers, human rights defenders, journalists and dissidents by effectively penalising criticism of state institutions.

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“The text of the bill does not satisfactorily define ‘fake news’ and instead refers to vague outcomes such as public ‘fear, panic or disorder or unrest’. Moreover, the prescribed punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment is excessive,” the statement read.