Pakistan’s National Assembly is taking a bold stand on cybercrime penalties and laws, demanding stricter punishments to curb rising online threats. On August 7, 2025, lawmakers introduced a resolution to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, targeting issues like cyberbullying, fraud, and data theft. The move comes as families like that of Ayesha Khan, a Lahore student harassed online, share heartbreaking stories on social media, pleading for stronger protections.
Life Imprisonment Proposed in Cybercrime Penalties
The resolution, tabled by PML-N’s Bilal Azhar Kiyani, calls for life imprisonment for severe cyber offenses, a sharp increase from the current seven-year maximum under PECA. Lawmakers argue that outdated penalties fail to deter criminals exploiting Pakistan’s growing digital landscape, where over 70 million people are active online. Social media posts highlight public support.
Decisions for Cybercrime Laws
The Assembly also seeks to fast-track legal processes for cybercrime cases, ensuring swift justice for victims. The resolution, backed across party lines, reflects a unified push to safeguard citizens, especially women and youth, who face disproportionate online abuse.
As Pakistan grapples with the dark side of digital growth, these tougher cybercrime laws offer hope for a safer, more secure online future.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 7th, 2025
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