ISLAMABAD – Following President Zardari’s approval of the PECA Amendment Bill 2025, Fake News Watchdog has released a 45-page report condemning the legislation as “an attack on democratic values.”
The watchdog raised concerns over the law’s vague definition of fake news, warning that its strict penalties and heavy fines could stifle public opinion.
The report criticizes the government for failing to address misinformation through non-legislative measures before resorting to stringent regulations.
It further highlights that stakeholders were not consulted during the legislative process and warns that the law’s approval could create diplomatic challenges for Pakistan.
Additionally, the report provides a comparative analysis of PECA 2025 with media laws in China, the US, India, Turkiye, and the UK.
Political parties, including the PPP and PTI, have also expressed concerns over the law’s hasty approval.
