Pakistan’s government has tightened its grip on social media with a new law that critics fear will threaten free speech and further erode democratic freedoms.
The controversial legislation, passed by the country’s lower house of parliament on Thursday, grants sweeping powers to the government to control online content, including the ability to block platforms and imprison users for spreading “disinformation.”
The law requires social media companies to register with a government-controlled authority and gives officials the power to immediately block content deemed “unlawful and offensive,” such as criticism of judges, military, or government itself. Individuals and organisations posting such content can also be blocked from platforms.
Spreading “disinformation” is now a criminal offence, punishable by up to three years in prison and a substantial fine of 2 million Pakistani rupees ($7,150).
This law has alarmed human rights activists like Farhatullah Babar, who warned that the law “stifles the freedom of expression” and grants excessive power to the executive branch.
The opposition strongly condemned the legislation. The leader of the opposition, Omar Ayub Khan, said that the bill could “lay a foundation for the suppression of voices advocating for constitutional rights.” The party of the jailed former leader, Imran Khan, has stopped any further negotiations with the government. They ended these talks because of this new law, which they believe is unfair and harmful.
Journalists and media organisations have also expressed deep concern. The Federal Union of Journalists president, Afzal Butt, called the law an attempt to “suppress the media, social media and journalists.”
While the government claims the law is necessary to combat the spread of misinformation and hate speech, critics argue it will be used to silence dissent and control public discourse. This move comes at a time when press freedom in Pakistan is already under increasing pressure. Journalists report facing state pressure, and many media outlets have been instructed to avoid mentioning Imran Khan by name.