41 Journalists, Media Workers and Activists Booked Under PECA, Senate Panel Told

A Senate subcommittee meeting chaired by Sarmad Ali reviewed cases filed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with officials presenting details of cases registered against citizens, journalists, and social media activists across Pakistan.

According to the data shared during the meeting, a total of 689 PECA cases have been filed nationwide. Lahore and Multan each recorded 129 cases, while Faisalabad reported 127 cases. Rawalpindi registered 72 cases, followed by Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Gujranwala with significant numbers. Smaller case counts were reported from Islamabad with 10 cases, Quetta with 14, and Gilgit with one case.

The committee was also informed that nine cases had been filed against journalists in Islamabad under PECA. Rawalpindi reported two cases against journalists, while Karachi recorded one such case.

Officials from the National Counter Cyber Crime Authority said a total of 41 cases have been registered against journalists, media personnel, and social media activists.

During the meeting, Senator Waqar Mehdi raised questions regarding the authority responsible for registering FIRs and conducting investigations under PECA.

Officials informed the committee that under the revised framework, provincial authorities no longer have powers to register FIRs under PECA, as investigative and enforcement authority has been transferred from the Federal Investigation Agency to the NCCIA.

Punjab Police officials told the committee they had been directed not to register PECA cases. Sindh Police officials similarly stated that 55 PECA-related cases had been registered over the past two years, of which 25 had already been transferred to the NCCIA.

The committee was further informed that both Punjab and Sindh are working on establishing dedicated cybersecurity departments to improve their ability to handle cybercrime-related matters.