Islamabad: The National Assembly today passed "The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025" which aims at modernizing and enhancing the legislative framework for combating cybercrime in the country. The bill was moved by Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain and seeks to safeguard citizens, institutions, and the economy from digital vulnerabilities while fostering a secure and inclusive digital environment.
According to Radio Pakistan, the bill proposes the establishment of a robust framework for tackling cybercrimes through the creation of key government mechanisms, such as the Digital Rights Protection Authority. This authority will ensure the protection of citizens' digital rights, regulate online content, and promote secure and responsible internet usage. The amendments provide a clear definition and regulation of unlawful online content to address issues such as hate speech, misinformation, and content inciting violence and harm. The bill also introduces mechanisms to improve collaboration with social media platforms and enforce compliance with national laws.
In addition to this, the House also passed "The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2024," moved by Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. The bill aims to transform Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation by fostering a dynamic digital society, a robust digital economy, and efficient digital governance.
Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar highlighted that no prisoner in Pakistan is enjoying the facilities being provided to the PTI founder. During Question Hour in the National Assembly, he mentioned that facilities, equivalent to a presidential suite, including an exercise room, kitchen, pantry, and a walking gallery, along with an expert chef, are available to the PTI founder. He contrasted this with past treatment of figures like Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who were denied basic amenities during incarceration under the PTI founder's government.
Responding to other queries, Minister for Energy Awais Leghari stated that the project of solarizing twenty-seven thousand tube wells in Balochistan is being aggressively pursued, with over three thousand tube wells already solarized. Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik addressed the seasonal shortfall in gas supply and demand, explaining that Sui companies implement a load management program during winter to ensure domestic sector supplies during peak hours. Measures to improve supplies include diverting RLNG to residential sectors and providing LPG cylinders in areas with low pressure or non-supply issues.
Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Mian Khan Bugti informed the assembly about government efforts to enhance oil and gas exploration activities. Eighteen new blocks and four development and production leases have been granted, and LNG imports are being used to meet increasing gas demand.