Govt opts for another ordinance to control social media

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet had approved and forwarded two ordinances to President House, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Election Commission Act (Amendment in Code of Conduct).

Under the PECA amended ordinance, it would be a crime to disparage an individual (a firm, association, state institution, authority) on social media, and judges would have to rule on the matter within six months. If any person or their close one has been harmed, they have the option of bringing a legal claim.

If proven guilty of propagating fake news under the amended PECA ordinance, the offender will face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The previous time frame was three years.

The Code of Conduct for the Election Commission, which is part of the Election Act, lays the way for ministers and legislators to manage campaigns for their party's candidates across the country. Election rallies, speeches to the general public, and campaigning for a candidate of their choice or party are now within reach of these individuals.