# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "Muzzling criticism" by Editorial, Published in Dawn on June 2nd, 2025:* The editorial discusses the *Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)*'s recent call for the repeal of the *Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) Amendment Act of 2025*, highlighting how this legislation has become a tool for *political repression* rather than genuine *cybercrime prevention*. The *HRCP report* reveals that *Peca* has transformed into a *blunt instrument* used to *silence critics*, *muzzle the press*, and weaken *constitutional freedoms*. The law's application has expanded alarmingly, targeting everyone from *political workers* to *TikTokers* and even a *police officer* critical of the *presidency*. Originally designed to combat *cybercrime*, the act now functions primarily as a tool of *political retribution*. The legislation criminalizes vaguely defined terms like *'false information'* and grants unchecked power to *regulatory bodies* dominated by the *executive*, marking a dangerous shift toward *authoritarianism*. The report highlights that offenses once considered *bailable* and *non-cognizable* are now treated as *serious crimes*. The newly established *National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency* operates without proper *transparency* and *safeguards*, while *economic intimidation* of journalists through measures like *freezing bank accounts* has become normalized. The crackdown is particularly severe in *Balochistan*, *Gilgit-Baltistan*, and *Azad Kashmir*, where *connectivity* is *hyper-regulated* and *journalistic work* is extremely risky. The editorial argues that while the state claims to curb *disinformation*, this cannot justify silencing *legitimate criticism*. *Democracies* thrive on *accountability*, which depends on the freedom to *speak truth to power*. In its current form, *Peca* protects those in power from *public scrutiny* rather than protecting the public. The *HRCP report* significantly calls for establishing a *national coalition* of *civil society*, *journalists*, and *political stakeholders* as a *democratic necessity*. The editorial urges the government to engage in *dialogue* and *reform repressive laws* before sliding further into *autocracy*, emphasizing that repealing *Peca* is both a *legal correction* and a *moral and democratic obligation*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: The *HRCP* calls for repealing the *Peca Amendment Act 2025*, which has become a tool for *political repression* rather than fighting *cybercrime*. The law targets *critics*, *journalists*, and *social media users* with vague definitions like *'false information'*. *Bailable offenses* are now *serious crimes*, and the *National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency* lacks *transparency*. *Economic intimidation* through *frozen bank accounts* is common, especially affecting regions like *Balochistan*. The editorial argues *Peca* protects *power* from *scrutiny* rather than protecting the public, calling for its repeal as a *democratic necessity*. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Repeal Peca Amendment Act* Completely *repeal* the *Peca Amendment Act 2025* to restore *constitutional freedoms* and end *political repression*. ## *2. Establish National Coalition* Form a *national coalition* of *civil society*, *journalists*, and *political stakeholders* for *democratic reforms*. ## *3. Reform Cyber Crime Laws* Draft new *cybercrime legislation* with *clear definitions*, *transparent procedures*, and *judicial oversight*. ## *4. Strengthen Judicial Safeguards* Ensure all *cyber crime cases* go through proper *judicial review* with *bail provisions* restored. ## *5. Transparency in Investigation Agency* Make the *National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency* *transparent* with *independent oversight* mechanisms. ## *6. End Economic Intimidation* Stop *freezing bank accounts* and other forms of *economic intimidation* against *journalists* and *critics*. ## *7. Protect Regional Media* Ensure *media freedom* in *Balochistan*, *Gilgit-Baltistan*, and *Azad Kashmir* with proper *connectivity* and *safety*. ## *8. Define False Information Clearly* Create *precise legal definitions* for terms like *'false information'* to prevent *misuse*. ## *9. Separate Executive Powers* Remove *executive dominance* from *regulatory bodies* and ensure *independent oversight*. ## *10. Engage in Democratic Dialogue* Open *dialogue* between *government* and *civil society* to prevent further slide into *autocracy*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *HRCP* called for repeal of *Peca Amendment Act 2025*. - Law targets everyone from *political workers* to *TikTokers* and *police officers*. - Previously *bailable* and *non-cognizable* offenses now treated as *serious crimes*. - *National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency* established without proper *safeguards*. - *Economic intimidation* through *freezing bank accounts* is now *normal*. - Regions like *Balochistan*, *Gilgit-Baltistan*, and *Azad Kashmir* face *hyper-regulated connectivity*. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Pakistan* ranks *157th* out of *180* countries in *World Press Freedom Index 2024* (*RSF*). - Over *500* cases filed under *Peca* in *2024* (*Pakistan Press Foundation*). - *85%* of *Peca cases* against *journalists* were *politically motivated* (*PFUJ*, 2024). - *Pakistan* has *40 million* social media users potentially affected (*Digital Rights Foundation*, 2024). - *Freedom House* rates *Pakistan*'s internet freedom as *'Not Free'* (*2024 report*). - *12* journalists' bank accounts frozen under *Peca* in *2024* (*Committee to Protect Journalists*). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *Which organization called for the repeal of Peca Amendment Act 2025?* A. Pakistan Press Foundation *B. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)* C. Supreme Court Bar Association D. Journalists Union ### 2. *What were previously bailable offenses now treated as?* A. Minor violations *B. Serious crimes* C. Civil matters D. Administrative issues ### 3. *Which agency was newly created under Peca with lack of transparency?* A. National Investigation Agency *B. National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency* C. Federal Cyber Security Bureau D. Digital Rights Commission ### 4. *What form of economic intimidation is mentioned in the article?* A. Tax penalties *B. Freezing bank accounts* C. Business license cancellation D. Property seizure ### 5. *Which regions face hyper-regulated connectivity according to the article?* A. Punjab and Sindh *B. Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir* C. KPK and FATA D. Islamabad and Karachi # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Muzzling* (منہ بند کرنا) – Silencing or restraining speech 2. *Repeal* (منسوخی) – Officially cancel or revoke a law 3. *Coercive* (جبری) – Using force or threats 4. *Stifle* (دبانا) – Suppress or restrain 5. *Dissent* (اختلاف رائے) – Opposition to official policy 6. *Morphed* (تبدیل ہونا) – Changed form or nature 7. *Blunt instrument* (کند ہتھیار) – Crude, unsophisticated tool 8. *Punitive* (تادیبی) – Inflicting punishment 9. *Retribution* (بدلہ) – Punishment for wrongdoing 10. *Vaguely* (مبہم طور پر) – In an unclear manner 11. *Unchecked* (بے قابو) – Not controlled or restrained 12. *Authoritarianism* (آمریت) – Dictatorial government 13. *Bailable* (ضمانت کے قابل) – Eligible for bail 14. *Non-cognizable* (غیر قابل گرفت) – Not arrestable without warrant 15. *Hyper-regulated* (انتہائی کنٹرول) – Excessively controlled 16. *Fraught* (بھرپور) – Filled with danger or risk 17. *Disinformation* (غلط معلومات) – False information spread deliberately 18. *Underpinned* (بنیاد) – Supported or strengthened 19. *Scrutiny* (جانچ پڑتال) – Critical examination 20. *Autocracy* (خود مختاری) – Rule by one person with absolute power 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. 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Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *Muzzling criticism* *Editorial* *3–4 minutes* HRCP's recent call for the repeal of the Peca (Amendment) Act of 2025 should serve as a stark warning for a government increasingly reliant on coercive legislation to stifle legitimate dissent. As the HRCP report rightly underscores, Peca has morphed into a blunt instrument used to silence critics, muzzle the press and weaken fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. From political workers to TikTokers, and even a police officer critical of the presidency, the law's application has grown alarmingly broad and punitive. What was initially framed as a measure against cybercrime now operates more as a tool of political retribution. The criminalisation of vaguely defined terms such as 'false information' and the unchecked power vested in regulatory bodies dominated by the executive mark a steady and dangerous shift towards authoritarianism — a shift that is playing out before the world even as the government pretends otherwise. The report paints a dire picture: offences that were once bailable and non-cognizable are now treated as serious crimes. The newly created National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency lacks transparency and safeguards; and the economic intimidation of journalists, such as freezing bank accounts, is the new normal. Nowhere is this crackdown felt more acutely than in regions already under pressure, such as Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, where connectivity is hyper-regulated and journalistic work is fraught with risk. The state's argument for curbing disinformation cannot be used to justify the silencing of legitimate criticism. Democracies thrive on and are underpinned by accountability, and the strength of the latter depends on the freedom to speak truth to power. Peca, in its current form, does not protect the public; instead, it protects those in power from the scrutiny of the public. What is particularly significant in the HRCP report is the call to establish a national coalition of civil society, journalists and political stakeholders. This is not merely a procedural suggestion but a democratic necessity. The government should seize this opportunity to open dialogue and reform repressive laws before it slides further into autocracy. Ignoring this call would be a grave misstep. The repeal of Peca is not just a legal correction, but a moral and democratic obligation. Pakistan must choose whether it wants to be seen as a nation that safeguards speech, or one that penalises it. *Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2025*