President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025, which introduces strict punishments for spreading false information online.
According to the new law, anyone found guilty of sharing fake news that causes panic or disturbs public order could face up to three years in prison or a fine of Rs 2 million. Authorities have also been given more power to monitor and regulate online content.
However, journalists and digital rights activists strongly oppose these changes, arguing that they pose a serious threat to freedom of speech. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced protests against the law, calling it an attempt to suppress independent reporting and online expression.
