Fake news spreaders will face five-year jail: Farogh Naseem

Islamabad: Federal Law Minister Farogh Naseem on Sunday announced that Ordinances regarding the election code of conduct and Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) have been enforced and the people who spread fake news can now be sent to prison for up to five years.

Addressing a news conference in Karachi, Farogh Naseem declared that there would be no exemption for the fake news spreaders. “Their cases will be concluded within six months and they cannot apply for bail. The judge will also face action if he cannot satisfy the high court about the delay in the case,” he added.

The law minister said this law, necessary to deal with the fake news, was not in conflict with the Constitution. The media can criticize the government as hard it wants to but there should be no fake news, he added.

He said the trial of the suspect nabbed under PECA will be completed in six months and the guilty will be handed over punishment of five years.

The subordinate court will be accountable to the high court judge over failure to complete the trial of electronic crimes within six months.

The accused punished under PECA cannot get bail, Farogh Naseem added.

The amended act will also pave way for action over hate speech and fake news against the national institutions including the armed forces and national figures.