Karachi Bar Association Rejects Regressive Amendments to PECA

On January 28, the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) rejected the “regressive amendments” to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, calling them an attack on fundamental freedoms, particularly free expression and judicial independence.
Earlier in the day, the Senate passed the controversial Peca Amendment Bill 2025 which had been earlier approved by the National Assembly on January 23. The Peca amendments introduce Section 26(A), which proposes strict penalties for spreading “fake news” online. Under these provisions, individuals found guilty of intentionally disseminating false information that could incite fear, panic, or unrest in society may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs2 million, or both.
In a resolution, the KBA condemned the amendments, stating: “The Peca 2025 amendments, designed to stifle independent media and curtail the constitutional rights enshrined in Articles 19 and 19 A of the Constitution of Pakistan, pose a grave threat to the democratic framework of the state.” The association further emphasized: “Freedom of speech and access to information are not privileges but inalienable rights essential to upholding democracy and safeguarding accountability.”
The KBA called for the withdrawal of both the Peca amendments and the 26th Constitutional Amendment. It criticized the government for not engaging relevant stakeholders, asserting: “Both measures were implemented without engaging critical stakeholders, including the judiciary, the legal fraternity, and civil society, reflecting the regime’s intent to erode constitutional safeguards, weaken institutional checks and balances, and consolidate unchecked power.”
The KBA categorically rejected the amendments, saying: “The Karachi Bar Association Cabinet stands resolute in its constitutional duty to defend the rule of law, fundamental rights, and democratic institutions.” The resolution further stated: “A free press and an independent judiciary are indispensable to protect citizens’ rights and ensure that the government remains accountable. The weakening of these pillars jeopardizes Pakistan’s democratic structure and destabilizes the nation.”
Calling for immediate action, the KBA demanded the withdrawal of the amendments and the Constitutional amendment and urged the initiation of a transparent, inclusive, and consultative process involving all key stakeholders, including the judiciary, legal fraternity, media, and civil society. It cautioned that if these demands were not met, public trust in state institutions would be further eroded, societal polarization would be deepened and the disintegration of the country’s democratic fabric would be accelerated.