Identifying such a case under the amended prevention of the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), after posting a viral video of the traffic police, a shopkeeper in Rawalpindi has filed a case under Pakistan’s cybercrime law.
The case was registered at the Kent police station on the complaint of traffic warden Imran Sikandar. According to the FIR, the video – in which the police allegedly shown removal of a “parked car” outside the shop – was uploaded on social media with the intention of provoking public anger against law enforcement agencies.
The FIR cites sub -section 1D of Section 21 of PECA, which is related to crime related to a natural person’s dignity. Authorities claimed that footage was shared to spread hatred and discredit traffic police measures.
In January 2025, the federal government introduced a new amendment to the PECA, including Section 26 (A), which guilty to the online spread of false information. This clause can impose a fine of up to Rs 2 million for those who share a fine of up to three years or those who share a fine or unrest for them.
Only last week, Rawalpindi police made the first arrest under these amended rules. Mohammad Rihan was allegedly detained for posting inappropriate content online and later jailed.
A police spokesman has warned that freedom of expression does not allow unknown information or negative propaganda. He added that strict action will be taken under the PECA for any post that threatens public discipline or targets the state.
