Sonia Asher, the PML-N MPA and Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, has come under scrutiny after being charged under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Act 2025. The charges stem from allegations that she spread fake news on social media regarding an ongoing rape case.
A Christian woman from Lahore filed a complaint with the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, requesting an investigation into Asher under the PECA law. The complaint claims that Asher’s false social media post disrupted the legal proceedings of the case concerning her minor daughter’s alleged abduction and rape.
The incident in question involves an abduction and sexual assault case that was reported at the Faisal Town Police Station in Lahore in October last year. The accused are currently in custody, with their bail applications rejected by the court last month.
The petitioner pointed out that while Sonia Asher had initially expressed sympathy for the victim, she posted a video on Facebook on February 2, falsely stating that the accused had been sentenced to 25 years in prison. In the video, Asher credited Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for securing the supposed conviction.
The petitioner has contested that this information was entirely fabricated and has negatively impacted the legal process. In her complaint, the petitioner emphasized that the fake news shared by Asher has harmed the ongoing trial of her daughter’s case and requested immediate legal action against the MPA.
The applicant has called for the registration of a case against Sonia Asher under the PECA 2025 law, which has faced criticism for its potential to limit freedom of expression.
