Pakistan Passes Controversial Disinformation Law Amid Press and Political Outcry

International International News

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-28 13:43:04 |

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On January 28, 2025, Pakistan passed a contentious law criminalising online disinformation, prescribing up to three years in prison for those who "intentionally disseminate" false or fake information that could incite fear, panic, or unrest. The legislation, rushed through the National Assembly and Senate with minimal debate, has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from journalists who walked out of the parliamentary gallery in protest.  

Critics argue the law is a tool to suppress dissent and free speech, especially as it comes amid allegations of election rigging and a crackdown on political opponents. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan’s most popular politician, is currently imprisoned on corruption charges his party claims are politically motivated. Thousands of his supporters have been arrested, and his name is censored from television broadcasts. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has also been shut down, following accusations of vote tampering during the February elections.  

Journalists, represented by figures like Asif Bashir Chaudhry from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, feel betrayed, claiming the government failed to consult them as promised. "We genuinely wanted a law against misinformation, but if it's done through fear and coercion, we will challenge it on every platform," Chaudhry stated, accusing the government of undemocratic practices.  

Supporters of the bill, such as Minister Tanveer Hussain, argue the legislation will curb societal anarchy caused by social media, while opponents, including Senator Syed Shibli Faraz from Khan’s party, warn it will fuel political victimisation.  

Human rights group Article 19 has noted a global rise in such disinformation laws, which they claim often serve to stifle journalism and limit free expression. The bill now awaits presidential approval, further intensifying debates over its implications for democracy and press freedom in Pakistan.

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