SHRC alarmed by increasing misuse of Peca

The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Kandhkot-Kashmore SSP about an FIR registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016 by the Tangwani police against 28 people, including local journalists, civil society representatives and other citizens over alleged misuse of social media platforms, spreading unrest and criticism of law enforcement agencies.

In a letter to the SSP, SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho noted with concern that among the individuals named were reporters, Tangwani community leaders and social activists. Journalists and civil society members reportedly gathered at the Tangwani Press Club and announced their decision to not seek bail, asserting that the FIR was fabricated and retaliatory in nature due to their criticism of the law enforcement agencies' failure to maintain law and order.

Detho said the SHRC was alarmed by the increasing misuse of certain provisions of the Act. "While Peca was enacted to address genuine cybercrimes and to protect citizens in the digital space, there is growing evidence that its provisions especially those relating to defamation and unauthorised transmission of information are being misapplied by various individuals and groups to target their opponents," he said.

The SHRC emphasised that any use of Peca must be in strict compliance with constitutional guarantees, particularly the Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which ensures freedom of speech and the right to access to information.

"These rights form the cornerstone of a democratic society and must not be curtailed under the guise of controlling cybercrime. Legitimate journalistic activity, critical dissent and public discourse should be protected rather than criminalised," it stressed. The commission urged the relevant authorities to exercise caution and ensure that Peca was not used as a weapon to suppress fundamental freedoms.