By Catherine Male
Christian leaders and human rights activists in Pakistan are raising alarms over a new digital crimes law they fear will be weaponised to silence dissent and suppress reports of religious persecution.
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025, signed into law by the President on January 29, 2025, establishes the Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), tasked with regulating social media, removing unlawful content, and enforcing digital ethics.
While the government claims the law aims to combat fake news and hate speech, critics argue it could be misused to punish those sharing news of persecution or criticising the government. Bishop Azad Marshall of the Church of Pakistan emphasised that while Christians support measures to curb online harm, the law must not be exploited to target innocent individuals.
“Our community already faces false blasphemy accusations with no legal recourse against accusers. This law could further victimise vulnerable groups,” Marshall said.
Activists and journalists warn that mainstream media’s compromised credibility has made social media a vital platform for voicing concerns and reporting injustices. They fear the DRPA’s broad powers could lead to censorship, stifling free speech and endangering those who rely on digital platforms to highlight persecution.
As protests grow, calls are mounting for safeguards to ensure the law is not misused, protecting both freedom of expression and vulnerable communities
