Pakistan Parliament Passes Sweeping Social Media Control Bill

The Pakistani government has passed a controversial bill, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, which grants it sweeping powers to regulate social media and penalize disinformation. The law establishes a new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority that can block content deemed 'unlawful and offensive' and impose prison sentences of up to three years for those spreading disinformation, alongside hefty fines. Critics, including opposition parties and journalist unions, argue that the legislation is a direct assault on freedom of speech, particularly targeting dissent against the judiciary, military, and parliament. This move comes in the wake of the government's previous censorship actions, including the blocking of the X platform ahead of a disputed election. Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan has condemned the bill, warning it could suppress voices advocating for constitutional rights. Human rights defenders vow to challenge the law, which they view as an extension of increasing media censorship in the country.