The Pakistani government has implemented a controversial new law to tighten its grip on social media, which critics consider a threat to democratic freedoms and freedom of expression. According to Pakistan newspaper The Dawn, this law was passed in the lower house of parliament on Thursday (23 January 2025), in which the government has been given broad powers to control online content.
Provisions to block platforms and send users to jail
Under the new law, it will be mandatory for social media companies to register with a government controlled authority. Furthermore, the Pakistani government "illegal and objectionable" You will get the right to block the deemed content immediately. These include topics like criticism of judges, army or government.
Under this law, "misleading information" Spreading (disinformation) will now be a punishable offence, with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to 20 lakh Pakistani rupees (about $7,150) if found guilty.
Strong criticism from human rights activists and opposition
Human rights activists and the opposition have reacted strongly to this law. Human rights activist Farhatullah Babar warned that this law "suppresses freedom of expression" And provides excessive powers to the executive.
Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan condemned this law and said that it "This can lay the foundation for suppressing the voices of those who raise their voice for constitutional rights." At the same time, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party has ended its talks with the government in protest against this law.
Concerns of journalists and media organizations
Journalists and media organizations have also expressed deep concern about this law. According to Times of India, Afzal Butt, President of the Federal Union of Journalists, "Attempts to suppress media, social media and journalists" Has been declared.
The government says that this law is necessary to stop misleading information and hate speech. However, critics believe it will be used to silence dissenting voices and control public discourse.
This step has been taken at a time when press freedom in Pakistan is already under pressure. Journalists face pressure from the state, and many media organizations Instructions have been given to avoid even taking the name of Imran Khan.
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