PML-N MPA Sonia Asher Faces Legal Action Under PECA Law for Spreading Fake News
Lahore – Sonia Asher, Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) from PML-N and Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, has been accused of spreading fake news on social media in relation to an ongoing rape case. She is now facing legal charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Act 2025, following a formal complaint filed by a Christian woman from Lahore.
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The complaint, lodged with the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, accuses Asher of posting misleading information about a rape and abduction case involving the woman’s minor daughter. The case, which was registered at the Faisal Town Police Station in October 2024, involves the abduction and sexual assault of the petitioner’s daughter. The accused are currently in custody, and their bail applications were recently rejected by the court.
The petitioner claims that while Sonia Asher initially showed sympathy towards the victim, her February 2 Facebook post falsely claimed that the accused had been sentenced to 25 years in prison, attributing the supposed conviction to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The petitioner insists that this information was completely fabricated and has interfered with the legal proceedings.
In her complaint, the woman stated, “This fake news shared by the parliamentary secretary has had a detrimental impact on the trial of my daughter’s case,” highlighting the negative consequences it could have on the pursuit of justice.
The petitioner has requested immediate legal action against Sonia Asher, urging the registration of a case under the PECA law 2025, which has sparked considerable controversy due to concerns over its potential to restrict freedom of expression.
The case has drawn attention to the PECA law amid growing concerns about its use in suppressing criticism and dissent, particularly in the digital space.
