Lately, Pakistan has seen a surge in the spread of fake news largely fueled by social media platforms. As the nation grapples with this growing issue, the government has moved to address it with legal amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Although these changes are aimed at curbing the harmful effects of misinformation, they have sparked intense debate about their potential impact on freedom of expression and journalism. The issue at hand involves finding a delicate balance between protecting the public from the dangers of fake news while ensuring that the freedoms essential to a democratic society remain intact. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube and WhatsApp have become primary channels for information in Pakistan. However, the ease with which information is shared on these platforms has also made them fertile ground for the spread of falsehoods. Unlike traditional media, which adheres to editorial standards and oversight, social media lacks such regulations which allows anyone with access to the internet to share unverified, sensationalized and often misleading content. This has led to widespread misinformation that can have dire consequences. Fake news is particularly harmful in times of crisis, such as during political upheaval, economic instability or public health emergencies. False reports about health issues, government actions or political events can quickly spread, leading to panic, confusion and social unrest. The sheer speed with which these falsehoods are disseminated makes it difficult for the public to discern truth from fiction, further exacerbating the problem. In response to the growing threat of misinformation, the Pakistani government introduced amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The revised law makes it a criminal offense to deliberately spread fake news, with penalties that include up to three years in prison and hefty fines. The fight against misinformation requires a nuanced approach that involves not only legal frameworks but also a commitment to responsible journalism. The government justifies these amendments by arguing that they are necessary to protect national security, maintain public order and prevent social instability caused by fake news. Supporters of the amendments contend that such measures are long overdue and essential for safeguarding the integrity of information in the digital age. They argue that misinformation can undermine trust in institutions, create chaos and even threaten national security by inciting violence or stirring up extremist sentiment. However, critics of the amendments have raised concerns about the potential for misuse. They argue that the definitions of “fake news” within the law are vague and open to interpretation. This lack of clarity could lead to arbitrary enforcement, where legitimate political dissent, investigative journalism and critical commentary are suppressed under the guise of preventing misinformation. Furthermore, the threat of legal action could encourage self-censorship, stifling the free exchange of ideas and curbing the role of the media in holding power to account. The primary challenge lies in finding a balance between curbing fake news and protecting freedom of expression. While the dangers of misinformation are undeniable, it is equally important to ensure that genuine journalism is not impeded by overly broad or harsh laws. The line between what constitutes “fake news” and legitimate criticism or reporting can often be blurred, particularly in politically charged environments. Journalists and media organizations play a critical role in informing the public, uncovering truth and holding those in power accountable. If regulations are too restrictive, they may have a chilling effect on independent journalism, preventing the media from freely investigating and reporting on issues of public interest. Additionally, the public must be allowed to express their opinions without fear of facing legal consequences for simply questioning or challenging the status quo. The political landscape in Pakistan further complicates the issue. Political parties across the spectrum have often used accusations of fake news to attack their opponents, despite having supported similar regulations in the past when in power. This selective outrage highlights the potential for such laws to be weaponized for political gain rather than to address the real concerns surrounding misinformation. Fake news is increasingly being used as a tool in political battles and the amendments to PECA could be seen as part of a broader strategy to control the narrative and suppress opposition voices. While legislation is one approach to tackling fake news, it is not a panacea. The key to effectively combating misinformation lies in fostering responsible journalism and promoting digital literacy. Media organizations must adhere to high standards of accuracy and ethical reporting, ensuring that the information they disseminate is thoroughly vetted and credible. Additionally, the public must be educated on how to critically evaluate news sources, question sensationalized claims and verify information before sharing it. Although the amendments to PECA are a step toward addressing the problem of fake news, they must be carefully scrutinized to avoid unintended consequences for freedom of expression. The fight against misinformation requires a nuanced approach that involves not only legal frameworks but also a commitment to responsible journalism and public education. Guarding truth in the digital age is essential, but so too is safeguarding the fundamental freedoms that allow a healthy democracy to flourish. The writer is an alumnus of QAU, MPhil scholar & a freelance columnist, based in Islamabad. He can be reached at fa7263125@gmail.com