Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar clarified on Wednesday that recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) are meant to counter rising digital threats rather than suppress the right to free expression.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar emphasized that the legislation aims to create greater accountability in online spaces and ensure the safety of women and vulnerable communities.
The minister’s statement comes in the wake of public debate on digital freedoms, particularly after an Islamabad court temporarily lifted a ban on 27 YouTube channels belonging to journalists and commentators. The ban had been initiated by the newly established National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of circulating anti-state and defamatory content under PECA provisions.
“These laws are not designed to silence voices,” Tarar stressed. “Even in the world’s strongest democracies, there are systems to maintain justice and accountability online.”
He also warned that misuse of social media remains a major challenge globally. Quoting a World Economic Forum report, he highlighted how online propaganda and fake news can incite violence and deepen societal divides.
Tarar held all political parties partly responsible for the spread of online misinformation and called for a collective national effort to encourage responsible use of digital platforms.
He urged political leaders to use social media more constructively to address gender discrimination, patriarchy, and other social issues, rather than focusing only on entertainment and fashion trends that gain millions of views.
“Social media should evolve within a framework that supports inclusive and meaningful dialogue,” he concluded.
