Pakpattan police have arrested the administrator of a WhatsApp group for allegedly violating the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The case stems from the dissemination of a derogatory post targeting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in a group chat. The arrest highlights concerns surrounding the use of social media platforms and the enforcement of cybercrime laws.
The Incident and Arrest
The arrest occurred after a WhatsApp group member allegedly uploaded a post containing offensive language against the Punjab Chief Minister. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Farid Nagar police station, the group administrator did not remove the post despite being aware of its immoral, offensive, and illegal nature.
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The FIR accuses the admin of enabling the post’s circulation by failing to act, which allegedly contributed to public unrest. The admin has been charged under Section 20 of PECA, which pertains to offenses against the dignity of a natural person, and Section 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with insulting modesty and sexual harassment.
District Police Officer (DPO) Pakpattan, Javed Iqbal Chaddar, confirmed the arrest, describing it as a swift response after the post went viral on social media. Sub-Inspector Muhammad Mansha filed the complaint, prompting immediate action by SHO Rana Shehzad Akram to apprehend the suspect. According to DPO Chaddar, “Further investigation is underway.”
Details of the FIR
The FIR, dated January 23, reveals that the offensive post was uploaded using the mobile number of a group member. It states that the group admin, a resident of Shaheed Nagar, allowed the post to remain accessible, enabling other members to view it. The FIR also claims that the admin sought to “spread chaos among the public” by not deleting the post.
Police authorities acted quickly, citing the incident as the first registered case under PECA in Pakpattan. They emphasized the importance of addressing the misuse of social media to curb the spread of hate and unrest.
Amendments to PECA: A Broader Context
The arrest comes in the wake of controversial amendments to the PECA law passed by Pakistan’s National Assembly on January 23. The new provisions include stricter penalties for disseminating false information online. Under Section 26A, individuals found guilty of intentionally spreading fake news that could incite fear, panic, or public disorder may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to Rs2 million.
The amendments also propose the establishment of regulatory and investigative bodies, such as the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). These organizations aim to monitor and address the misuse of social media platforms.
However, these changes have been met with significant backlash from journalist groups and activists, who argue that the legislation could be used to suppress dissent and curtail freedom of speech. Critics have referred to PECA as a “black law,” highlighting its history of being used against politicians, journalists, and human rights activists.
Public Reaction and Implications
The case has reignited debate over the accountability of social media administrators. Legal experts point out that under PECA, group admins can be held liable for failing to regulate content shared in their groups. Supporters of the law argue that it ensures accountability and deters the spread of harmful content, while opponents see it as a potential tool for government overreach.
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Pakpattan police emphasized their commitment to tackling cybercrime and maintaining public order. In a statement, they reiterated the importance of taking swift action against those who misuse social media platforms.