Pakistan approves law proposing seven-year term over hateful posts on social media

Islamabad: Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved an amendment that allows Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take strict action against social media users who post hateful content and target Pakistan’s state institutions.

The Interior Ministry shared a statement that the government has decided to give more powers to the FIA to act against anyone who intends to spread “rumours and false information against state institutions” on social media. Such posts can “cause or incite mutiny” among officials of state institutions or “cause public fear” that threatens peace. The final approval of the amendment would come from parliament.

The amendment, which has included Section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in the FIA Act, would allow the FIA to take action against social media posts. Social media users punished under this law can receive a seven-year prison term, the official statement said. Before the amendment, this section was under the jurisdiction of local police.

What is Section 505 of PPC?

This refers to statements conducing to public mischief. This includes anyone who “makes, publishes, or circulates any statement, rumour or report” with intent to incite mutiny among officials of state institutions or cause public fear inciting “any person to commit an offence against the state or public tranquillity.” Sub-section one of PPC Section 505 states that anyone found committing its relevant offence shall be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend to seven years, along with a fine.

Criticism

Digital rights activists have said the act would reinforce censorship of social media platforms and curtail freedom of speech. Usama Khilji, director of digital rights advocacy firm Bolo Bhi, said the amendment would deter people from exercising their rights on social media. “Colonial laws inherited by the state are being strengthened to silence taxpayers from voicing criticism,” he said. Activists denounced the act, saying it is the right of every Pakistani citizen to express their opinion without fear.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the government will “withdraw” the proposed law if it “restricts freedom of expression.” He said the government will “consult with journalists and other stakeholders” on changes to the law. He also said that there were certain things on social media that needed to be controlled such as posts that were affecting the private lives of people.