Approval of PECA Act is curbing freedom of expression: Fake News Watchdog

Islamabad: After the approval of the PECA Act Amendment Bill 2025 by the President, a detailed 45-page report was released by the Fake News Watchdog.

The Fake News Watchdog has termed the law as an attack on democratic traditions, while also expressing concern over the controversial and vague definition of fake news in the law.

The Fake News Watchdog report states that the approval of the controversial law is tantamount to a ban on freedom of expression in Pakistan. The opinion of the common man can be suppressed through harsh punishments and heavy fines. The government has failed to take steps to prevent fake news before enacting strict legislation.

According to the report, the government ignored the opinions of stakeholders in the legislative process, and Pakistan’s challenges on the diplomatic front will increase after the approval of the law.

The Fake News Watchdog report also compares the PECA Act 2025 with the laws of China, the US, India, Turkey, and the UK. The report also mentions concerns from national and international institutions.

The position of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political parties on the PECA Act has also been made part of the report, and the Fake News Watchdog has also expressed concerns about misuse of the law.