The Senate has approved a series of significant legislative amendments, including changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s cybercrime framework. The newly passed amendments focus on enhancing victims’ rights, improving enforcement mechanisms, and modernising legal cooperation in an increasingly digital environment. Lawmakers described the reforms as necessary to address emerging online threats and close gaps in existing laws.
One of the major provisions allows the federal government to enter into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) with countries whose social media platforms operate in Pakistan. Officials stated that this step will improve international coordination in cybercrime investigations, particularly in cases involving cross-border digital activity. The move is expected to help authorities access data and cooperate more effectively with global technology companies.
The Senate also approved amendments to criminal laws concerning the treatment of rape victims. Under the revised provisions, failure to conduct a timely medical examination of a rape victim—whether male or female—may result in up to one year of imprisonment and a fine for the responsible officials. Lawmakers said the change aims to ensure accountability and prevent negligence in sensitive cases.
In addition, both private and public hospitals will face legal consequences if they fail to provide immediate medical assistance to victims. The amendment further requires private hospitals to transfer rape victims to designated government hospitals within 24 hours, ensuring proper medico-legal procedures are followed without delay.
The upper house also passed stricter penalties for producing or distributing child sexual abuse material under electronic crime laws. The prison sentence has been increased from seven to ten years, while the fine has been raised from Rs. 5 million to Rs. 10 million. Legislators emphasized that tougher punishments are intended to deter offenders and protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
Beyond cyber and criminal law reforms, the Senate approved Samina Zehri’s Family Court Amendment Bill and Sherry Rehman’s legislation banning plastic covers on books in Islamabad. Lawmakers said these measures reflect broader efforts to strengthen the legal system and promote environmental responsibility.
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