Online Hate Speech and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016
Sunday, May 10 2026
The School of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Management and Technology conducted an enlightening and insightful dialogue session on Online Hate Speech and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, bringing together policymakers, legal experts, media professionals, and students for a meaningful conversation on digital responsibility and ethical communication.
The session was graced by Former Governor of Punjab and Attorney General of Pakistan Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa and opened by SMCS Dean Dr. Sidra Jamil Tariq, who emphasized the responsible use of social media and the growing challenges posed by online hate speech.
Sardar Latif Khan Khosa highlighted the constitutional guarantees of freedom and stressed that laws, including PECA, must uphold the spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Legal expert Chaudhry Faisal Nawaz discussed Article 11 of PECA and its implications regarding interfaith and racial hatred online, while Waqas Saeed delved into cybercrime prevention, victim support mechanisms, and the broader scope of PECA.
The dialogue was further enriched by useful contributions from Mustafa Kamal Pasha, Sana Agha Khan, and Ijaz Ahmed Dogar, who underscored the need for ethical journalism, media literacy, and responsible digital engagement in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
All-in-all, it was a thought-provoking session aimed at empowering future media professionals to build safer, more informed, and responsible digital communities in Pakistan and across the world.