ISLAMABAD: In a display of unusual urgency, the National Assembly on Thursday passed controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), introduced as a supplementary agenda item just a day earlier.

The house suspended the rules to expedite the consideration and passage of the bill, raising questions about the need for such haste. The bill is expected to be tabled in the Senate today (Friday), and odds are it will be passed by the upper house too.

The report of the National Assembly`s Interior Committee, which convened earlier the same day, was presented amid awalkout by the PTI-led opposition. PTI lawmakershadexitedthehousein protest over the imprisonment of their party founder, Imran Khan, before the bill was approved.

The media gallery was also empty, as journalistsstaged a walkout in protest against the controversialbill.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, attempting to allay fears, visited the press enclosure to reassure journalists that the bill would not affect them.

`For electronic and print media, there are alreadysystems in place through Pemra`s council of complaints,` he said. Mr Tarar claimed the bill targeted digital media and aimed to `increase space` for traditional media outlets.

He explained that the legislation sought to regulate social media and would not affect `working journalists`, whom he defined as those registered with press clubs, as opposed to individuals who `just pull out their phones and say whatever they wish`.

The minister said the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency would be established, although he admitted it would take time to formulate its rules.

`This is not a draconian law,` he said, adding, `You cannot post anything on digital media without consequences.

`Draconian law` Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan said the bill was aimed at further suppressing freedom of speech. He was of the view that the bill could `lay a foundation for the suppression of voices advocating for constitutional rights`.

Talking to a delegation of Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA), led by its president Usman Khan, which met him in his chambers, Mr Khan rejected the latest amendments to Peca law, saying it would be used as a weapon.

He described the amendment as a `draconian law`, which he said was aimed at restricting freedom of speech.

He vowed to register a strong protest against the law in parliament, saying that the opposition alliance would resist this `unconstitutional act`.

The Peca amendments grant sweeping powers to the government to regulate social media. Punishments include up to three years` imprisonment and fines of Rs2 million for spreading fake news. The bill also prohibits streaming or sharing statements from proscribed organisations or their members.

Notably, the amendments redefine social media platforms to include any person managing online information systems or social networks.

They also bar streaming or viewing any part of parliamentary or provincial assembly proceedings ordered to be expunged by the speaker or Senate chairman.

Under the bill, an agency is to be created with the power to order the immediate blocking of content deemed `unlawful and offensive` from social media.

Under the law, social media platforms would be required to register with the new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, and those failing to comply could face temporary or permanent bans.

NA panel proceedings Earlier, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior approved amendments to Peca on Thursday amid strong opposition from PTI members.

During the meeting, chaired by Raja Khurram Nawaz of the PML-N, PTI member Zartaj Gul walked out in protest, alleging that the amendments were politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.

The session began with briefings from the interior ministry`s special secretary and a representative from the Ministry of Law and Justice. The officials explained that the amendments were designed to modernise Pakistan`s cybercrime legislation, align it with current requirements and address the complexities of emerging cyber threats.

They added that the updated framework aimed to protect citizens, institutions and the economy from digital vulnerabilities while fostering a secure and inclusive digital environment.

Ms Gul questioned the urgency behind the bill, saying: `Why is there such a rush to pass this bill? Social media users are already criticising the government`s actions. First, a firewall was installed, and now this bill is being rushed through without adequate consultation.

She said the bill was presented only 24 hours before the meeting and criticised the lack of stakeholder consultation. `This is a black law meant to target critics, ban social media, and implicate dissenting voices,` she said.

Jamshed Dasti, another PTI member, echoed her concerns, accusing the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of failing to fulfil its responsibilities. He also took aim at the treasury benches, calling them an outcome of `Form 47`, which led to heated arguments.

Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry of the PML-N rebuked Mr Dasti, calling for a vote on the bill and dismissing his remarks as `political nonsense`.

Hanif Abbasi of the PML-N defended the amendments, stating that they were necessary to curb misinformation and online harassment.

Agha Rafiullah and Nabeel Gabol of the PPP also supported the amendments, stressing the need to combat disinformation and anti-state propaganda on social media. `Lies are being spread using artificial intelligence to push agendas, including defaming our armed forces,` Mr Gabol said.

Digital Nation Pakistan Bill The National Assembly also passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, with the declared objective of transforming Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation by fostering a dynamic digital society, a robust digital economy, and efficient digital governance.

The bill seeks to establish three bodies: the National Digital Commission (NDC), Strategic Oversight Committee (SOC) and the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) The NDC, chaired by the prime minister and comprising federal and provincial leadership, will set the strategic vision and policy framework for the country`s digital transformation.

The PDA will implement these policies by coordinating and harmonising digital initiatives across all levels of government, and the SOC will monitor the PDA`s performance and provide an independent review to the NDC, ensuring alignment with the master plan.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned a joint session of parliament today (Friday) at 10am. The session will address bills that were passed by one house, but are pending approval in the other.