Senate Passes Amendments to PECA and Criminal Laws

Islamabad: The Senate has approved a major amendment bill to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), introducing tougher legal measures against digital crimes and expanding cooperation with international partners.

The amendment empowers the federal government to enter into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) with foreign countries where social media platforms commonly used in Pakistan are based. This move aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation in prosecuting online offenses.

New Medical Aid Obligations for Rape Survivors

In a separate development, the Senate passed amendments to criminal law provisions to ensure better care for survivors of sexual assault. According to the new rules, failure to provide a medical examination to a rape survivor—whether a boy or a girl—will result in up to one year of imprisonment and a fine.

Under the updated provisions, both private and public hospitals will face penalties if they do not provide immediate medical assistance to rape victims. Moreover, private hospitals are now required to transfer survivors to a government medical facility within 24 hours.

Harsher Penalties for Child Pornography

In another significant change, the Senate approved an amendment to the Anti-Electronic Crimes Act that increases penalties for child pornography offenses. The sentence for possession or distribution of child pornographic material has been raised from 7 years to 10 years, while the minimum fine has been increased from PKR 5 million to PKR 10 million.

These legislative changes aim to enhance digital safety, improve protection for vulnerable victims, and strengthen Pakistan’s legal framework against serious crimes in both physical and digital spaces.