Opinion | Editorials
Pakistan's cyber law is authoritarian
It is an infringement of the basic rights of the people and curbs freedom of speech.
- Gulf News
- Published: 22:41 July 15, 2009
The Pakistan government has announced the implementation of a new law that would imprison those who circulate indecent, provocative and 'ill-motivated' SMS and emails.
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency's Cyber Crime Cell has been tasked to trace and block such SMS and e-mails and take action against violators, who can be punished for up to 14 years in jail and their properties confiscated. Even overseas Pakistanis cannot escape the new law as the government can also ask for the deportation of overseas violators.
The aim is to stop malicious campaign against the civilian leadership, mainly President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who have been facing serious negative propaganda through the 'alternate' electronic media. Whatever the case may be, the new law is authoritarian as it is an infringement of basic rights of the people and must not be used to curb the freedom of speech.
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Syrian crisis and rumblings of a cold war
By Patrick Seale, Special to Gulf News
With their vetoes, Russia and China are saying they too have interests in the Middle East, which they are bent on protecting
-
Motives for a new regional alignment
By Marwan Kabalan, Special to Gulf News
The relationship between Iraq and Syria strengthened following the breakout of the uprising and withdrawal of US troops
-
Learning Arabic must not be seen as a compulsion
By Rabia Alavi, Special to Gulf News
Expatriates must see its inclusion in school curriculum as an invitation to integrate into Emirati society and an opportunity to access markets presently reserved for Emiratis
Your turn
