The recent changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law in Pakistan significantly impact the ability of the country's citizens to freely express themselves without fear of being imprisoned. Not only do these amendments infringe upon the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression, but they will also be misused to crush dissenting voices. Recently Amnesty International urged the government of Pakistan to immediately withdraw the amendment, explaining that "The Amendment introduces a criminal offence against those perpetrating so called 'false and fake information' and imposes a maximum penalty of 3 years in imprisonment with a fine of 2 million Pakistani Rupees." HRCP has condemned the amendment saying that the vague definition of fake news leaves it open to abuse and misuse and the new amendment is "likely to become yet another means of targeting political workers, rights activists and journalists."

The new laws allow for prosecution and imprisonment of peaceful critics and dissenters, thereby instilling fear and causing self-censorship. These draconian laws are a blatant violation of our constitutional rights. In the spirit of democracy and free expression, it is imperative that we urge the Government of Pakistan to reassess these changes. Express your disagreement with these changes and protect the freedom of speech in Pakistan. Sign this petition to voice your opposition against the amendments to the PECA law.

The National Assembly has already passed the amendment bill, but we appeal to the Senate of Pakistan to not let this draconian amendment crushing freedom of speech be passed in the upper house.