Pakistan parliament outlaws disinformation with 3-year jail term
Pakistan's parliament has approved legislation criminalizing online disinformation, making it punishable by up to three years in prison.
The move, announced on Tuesday, has been criticized by journalists and opposition members as an attempt to suppress dissent.
Deputy Chair of Pakistan’s Senate, Syedaal Khan, declared the bill's approval, saying, 'I have heard more 'yes' than 'no,' so the bill is approved.' The decision was met with protests, prompting journalists and opposition members to walk out of the gallery in objection.
The law specifically targets individuals who 'intentionally disseminate' online information that they know or have 'reason to believe' is false or fake and that could 'cause or create a sense of fear, panic, disorder, or unrest.'
The legislation was fast-tracked through Pakistan’s National Assembly with minimal notice last week before being presented to the Senate for approval. It now awaits the president's formal assent to become law.
.png "Advertisement")
