A man holds a laptop computer as cyber code is projected on him in this illustration picture taken on May 13, 2017. Capitalizing on spying tools believed to have been developed by the U.S. National Security Agency, hackers staged a cyber assault with a self-spreading malware that has infected tens of thousands of computers in nearly 100 countries. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel/Illustration
Pakistan's cybercrime law, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), has been widely criticized for its failure to effectively combat cybercrime. Instead, the law has been misused to silence dissenting voices, including journalists and activists. This alarming trend has serious implications for freedom of speech and the rule of law in Pakistan.
One of the most striking aspects of PECA's implementation is its dismal conviction rate. Since 2020, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested over 7,020 individuals on cybercrime charges, but only 222 cases have resulted in convictions. This low conviction rate of less than 5% highlights significant flaws in the investigative and prosecutorial processes.
Moreover, PECA has been increasingly used to stifle dissent. Journalists and activists have been targeted with charges of "spreading misinformation" or "defaming public officials" online. High-profile cases have created a chilling effect on press freedom in Pakistan, as many journalists and activists are now hesitant to express their opinions online.
The FIA's focus on suppressing dissent instead of combating genuine cyber threats raises serious concerns. Cybercrime in Pakistan encompasses a wide range of activities, including hacking, data breaches, financial scams, and online harassment. These crimes affect thousands of citizens daily, leading to significant financial and emotional harm.
To address the shortcomings of the cybercrime apparatus, comprehensive reform is necessary. The system requires realignment of priorities, investment in capacity-building, and promotion of accountability. PECA's vague language allows for broad interpretation, making it ripe for abuse. International best practices emphasize the need for clear legal definitions and procedural safeguards to prevent the misuse of cybercrime laws.
In conclusion, Pakistan's cybercrime law has become a tool for silencing dissenting voices. To transform its cybercrime enforcement into a force for good, Pakistan must promote accountability, invest in capacity-building, and realign its priorities. Only then can the country ensure that its cybercrime law is used to protect citizens from genuine cyber threats, rather than to stifle dissent and freedom of speech.
The Star
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