The Pakistani government has once again invoked the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to file FIRs against journalists and commentators such as Adil Raja, Moeed Pirzada, Muhammad Umar, Nazir Butt, and Ahmad Noorani. They are accused of running a social media hate campaign amid rising Pakistan-India tensions, allegedly threatening national security.
Critics argue this is a misuse of PECA to silence dissent. Instead of issuing rebuttals or pursuing defamation cases, the state is criminalizing journalists for their opinions, fueling concerns about press freedom. While online abuse by celebrities and politicians remains unchecked, journalists face legal action for expressing critical views.
The selective enforcement of PECA highlights a troubling double standard. Vulgarity and disinformation by influencers and political figures go unpunished, yet journalists are charged under national security laws.
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This crackdown blurs the line between journalism and treason, creating a chilling effect. It discourages investigative reporting and undermines public trust. Experts warn that true national stability lies in safeguarding free expression, not suppressing it through intimidation.
