New ‘Cybercrime Bill’ Put Forward for Pakistan: Social Media Oversight and Stricter Penalties

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly introduced a bill proposing amendments to the country’s cybercrime laws on Wednesday. The key highlights of the bill include a proposed three-year prison term for spreading disinformation, the dissolution of the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing, the establishment of a new investigation agency, and the creation of a new regulatory authority with extensive powers, including the ability to partially or fully block social media platforms.

Key Provisions in the Bill

According to the draft of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the bill stipulates:

• Punishment for Disinformation: “Whoever intentionally disseminates, publicly exhibits, or transmits any information through any information system, that he knows or has reason to believe to be false or fake and likely to cause or create a sense of fear, panic, or disorder or unrest in the general public or society shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend up to three years or with fine which may extend to Rs2 million, or with both.”
• Social Media Oversight: The proposed Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority will oversee the enrollment of social media platforms, set operational standards, and safeguard users’ rights. It will also have the authority to delete illegal content and discipline platforms violating the Peca Act.
• Registration Requirement: All social media platforms will be required to register with the government. Violations could result in temporary or permanent bans.
• Censorship Powers: The government may censor content that contradicts Pakistani ideology or encourages lawbreaking. Legislators, judges, military personnel, and other state officials will have access to remove illegal content pertaining to them.
• Tribunal for Enforcement: A Social Media Protection Tribunal will be established, headed by an ex-high court judge, alongside a software engineer and a journalist, to address compliance issues.

Establishment of NCCIA

The bill introduces the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to investigate illegal activities on social media. Key features include:

• A director general will lead the NCCIA for a three-year term.
• Officers and employees of the agency will have the same authority as police officers.
• The FIA’s Cybercrime Wing will be dissolved to make way for the new agency.

To further ensure compliance with the revised legislation, the federal government will also create a Social Media Protection Tribunal. An ex-high court judge will preside over the panel, which also includes a software engineer and a journalist.

Within sixty days after the tribunal’s ruling, the decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court, as stated in the proposed change.

Changes to Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

A bill with 108 proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was previously introduced by the Ministry of Law. The changes are designed to make it easier to file police reports, stop fake complaints, and reduce police mistreatment during arrests and detentions.

According to Mr. Tarar, lower courts are obligated to issue bail when the police’s investigation points to an acquittal. Additionally, he suggested a one-year duration for criminal trials, with the highest courts being obligated to take action in the event that this time limit is surpassed. There will be penalties for failing to conclude pending appeals in high courts within the allotted period.

The bill allows the use of modern devices as proof and encourages lawmakers to provide their thoughts during committee reviews.

Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal’s Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (Implementation) Bill was also passed by the National Assembly.

In response to a calling-attention notice, Aamir Talal Khan, the Parliamentary Secretary for Energy, announced that 70% of K-Electric’s 2,100 feeders are now free of load shedding. Additionally, he mentioned that out of 295 feeders that serve mixed-use consumers, 282 do not experience load shedding. In contrast, just 30% of feeders in high-loss areas actually suffer power outages.

At the beginning of the session, Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan sought to raise a point of order. However, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq declined the request, stating firmly, “No point of order will be allowed before the question hour is over. I do not make U-turns.”

This led to a demonstration by PTI legislators, who shouted slogans in solidarity with their jailed leader, Imran Khan. They also ripped up copies of the agenda, which were seen flying everywhere.