Senate Launches Inquiry Into PECA Misuse, Journalist Harassment

Nadeem Tanoli

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee has launched a high-level investigation into the misuse of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the growing harassment of journalists, revealing alarming gaps in jurisdiction, accountability, and oversight.

During a detailed and tense session, senators sharply criticized the dysfunctional interplay between local police, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and the Ministry of Interior, describing the enforcement structure as a “dangerously flawed triangle of power.”

Lawmakers warned that this disarray is undermining press freedom and enabling politically motivated targeting of journalists.

According to data submitted by the NCCIA in response to the committee’s inquiry, 698 cases have been registered under PECA as of July 2025. Of these, nine targeted journalists, while the remaining 689 cases were filed against members of the general public, including digital activists and social media users.

Islamabad reported the highest number of journalist-related FIRs (five), followed by Rawalpindi (two), and one each in Gujranwala and Karachi. Among the public, Lahore and Multan each recorded 129 cases, followed by Faisalabad (127) and Gujranwala (90).

Although the NCCIA reiterated that it remains the only legally authorized body to investigate cases under PECA, the data showed widespread violations of jurisdiction by local police across various districts.

Journalists Facing PECA Charges

The committee was presented with names and case details of the nine journalists charged under PECA:

In Rawalpindi, two journalists were booked under FIRs 60/25 and 61/25, accused of disseminating anti-state content on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

In Gujranwala, Shahzad Rafique was charged under FIR 77/25 following a private complaint of defamation.

In Islamabad, five journalists—Mohammad Ahmad Durrani, Mohammad Rauf, Mohammad Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada, and Ahmad Durrani—were charged with hate speech against state institutions.

In Karachi, Farhan Gohar Malik was arrested under FIR 25/2025 for allegedly spreading false propaganda about state institutions.

All nine cases remain under investigation.

Illegal Role of Local Police

The committee heard testimony from journalist leader Asif Bashir Chaudhry, who provided evidence of local police stations illegally registering PECA FIRs.

In one case from Bahawalpur, a journalist who exposed alleged corruption in a road construction project was booked under PECA by the local police—despite lacking legal authority.

Both senators and Interior Ministry officials acknowledged the action as a clear violation of the law. Under PECA, only the NCCIA has the jurisdiction and technical expertise to conduct such investigations.

Lawmakers warned that local police are being used as tools of political repression, filing cybercrime cases on behalf of powerful actors to intimidate journalists.

Meanwhile, the NCCIA, though legally empowered, lacks operational control over district police stations. The Ministry of Interior, responsible for oversight, was accused of routinely deflecting responsibility by citing jurisdictional confusion.

A Two-Track System of Enforcement

Senators described the current enforcement regime as a “two-track structure”—one legal (under NCCIA) and one illegal (under local police). Journalists now face threats from both: cybercrime allegations and physical harassment, with minimal protection under the law.

“This committee will not tolerate the misuse of cybercrime laws to silence dissent,” remarked one senator. “Freedom of expression and press freedom are non-negotiable pillars of democracy.”

The Senate committee directed the Ministry of Interior to submit a comprehensive report on all PECA-related FIRs filed against journalists. The report must include details of allegations, arrest status, absconders, and steps taken to halt illegal police actions.

Furthermore, the committee ordered that clear directives be issued to all provincial Inspector Generals (IGs), instructing them to immediately stop any cybercrime investigations conducted outside NCCIA’s jurisdiction.

The inquiry marks a critical step in addressing growing concerns over digital censorship, police overreach, and threats to independent journalism in Pakistan.