A roundtable in Islamabad hosted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan focused on the country's restrictive digital laws. Speakers highlighted the stifling effect of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and its later amendments on free expression. Participants called for a broad civil society coalition to push back.
Journalists at the meeting shared personal stories of harassment, including threats from officials with the Federal Investigation Agency. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists President Afzal Butt argued for direct talks with authorities to separate reasonable regulation from outright repression. Veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi noted Pakistan has a long history of using laws to control narratives rather than protect rights.
Other speakers pointed to structural problems, like newspapers in Balochistan relying on state ads, which kill editorial independence. Concerns were raised about security agencies abusing the investigative process. Lawyers and journalists argued that while coordinated litigation is important, legal challenges must be paired with public debate and collective resistance. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi agreed that resisting these laws is necessary.
The session concluded with a proposal from former senator Farhatullah Babar for pro bono legal teams to fight due process violations under the act. He also suggested publicly naming officials who abuse the law, an idea backed by Rawalpindi Journalists Union President Tariq Ali.
Journalists at the meeting shared personal stories of harassment, including threats from officials with the Federal Investigation Agency. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists President Afzal Butt argued for direct talks with authorities to separate reasonable regulation from outright repression. Veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi noted Pakistan has a long history of using laws to control narratives rather than protect rights.
Other speakers pointed to structural problems, like newspapers in Balochistan relying on state ads, which kill editorial independence. Concerns were raised about security agencies abusing the investigative process. Lawyers and journalists argued that while coordinated litigation is important, legal challenges must be paired with public debate and collective resistance. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi agreed that resisting these laws is necessary.
The session concluded with a proposal from former senator Farhatullah Babar for pro bono legal teams to fight due process violations under the act. He also suggested publicly naming officials who abuse the law, an idea backed by Rawalpindi Journalists Union President Tariq Ali.
