Daily Times

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Maiza Hameed has hailed the approval of Prevention of Electronics Crimes Bill 2015, by the Senate’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications.

Talking to Daily Times, she said the bill, once approved by the Senate after discussion, would help curb criminal activities in the country besides giving respect, honour and, most importantly, protection to the citizens.

Some of the salient features of the bill include up to seven years imprisonment, Rs 10 million fine or both for hate speech, or trying to create disputes and spread hatred on the basis of religion or sectarianism, up to three years imprisonment and Rs 0.5 million fine or both for cheating others through internet and up to five year imprisonment, Rs 5 million fine or both for transferring or copying of sensitive basic information.

“Implementation of the bill will see punishment of up to 14 years imprisonment and Rs 50 million fines on electronic crimes,” Maiza said, adding that a special court would be established for hearing the cases falling under the act. With this bill, she said, a person can be trailed under the law even if the crime was committed from outside Pakistan. However, investigation of electronics crimes cannot be carried out without court’s permission.

It is pertinent to mention that the bill was passed by the NA Standing Committee on IT in 2015, while it was approved by the lower house of the parliament on April 13 this year. The bill has been criticised by the opposition as well as members of civil society for curbing human rights and giving extraordinary powers to law enforcement agencies. After its introduction in the NA, the bill was referred to the NA Standing Committee on IT to address concerns raised by the opposition members and stakeholders from the industry.

“With the permission of the court, the government would be able to seek help of other countries for investigation into cyber-crimes,” The MNA told this scribe. She said that agitation from opposition parties and some “civil” activists was justified, as they use the medium for spreading hate speeches besides promoting their own selfish or paid agendas. “Keeping in mind the prevailing circumstances in the country, the government is more concerned about providing security to the citizens and is determined to make bold decisions for the best interests of the country.