Impact of PECA-2016 Provisions on Freedom of Speech: A Case of Pakistan

Abstract

Prevention of Electronic Crime Act, PECA-2016 is a procedural and penal law in Pakistan deals with the cyber or digital space. This research is to explore about the freedom of speech regime in Pakistan. It also provides the in-depth overview of PECA-2016 and analyses the effect of certain provisions of PECA-2016 on the practice of freedom of speech in cyberspace e.g. internet and whether these provisions promote or hinder the right to freedom of speech. The research is purely qualitative based on thorough document analysis. Results demonstrates that certain provisions of PECA do not have enough safeguards to secure access to quality research and quality knowledge- including freedom of human rights , specially right to freedom of speech, both, online and offline. Hence, it is suggested to policy makers to improve or repeal the current status of PECA-2016 on priority basis.