Islamabad (Agencies): The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill 2025 was introduced in the National Assembly on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward modernizing Pakistan’s digital framework. The bill, tabled by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazeer Tarar, aims to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and foster a more secure and innovative digital environment in the country.
During the session, the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, Syed Aminul Haque, presented a report on the bill, highlighting its alignment with the vision of transforming Pakistan into a “Digital Nation.” The proposed amendments focus on enabling a robust digital society, economy, and governance framework under the Digital National Pakistan Bill 2024.
Syed Aminul Haque emphasized that leveraging digital technologies, responsible data usage, modern service delivery models, and strong public digital infrastructure would accelerate sustainable economic growth, modernize governance, and improve citizen welfare. He added that the amendments would promote a thriving digital economy and establish a collaborative digital governance ecosystem with secure and comprehensive infrastructure.
Haque further explained that the act would address departmental inefficiencies and red tape that have previously hindered progress in the information technology and telecommunications sectors. “This legislation will be a milestone in effectively connecting Pakistan with the digital world, bringing transformative changes to the country’s IT landscape,” he stated.
Minister of State Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja briefed the committee members on the bill’s provisions, clarifying that it does not centralize data collection but aims to streamline digital identity systems and enhance cybersecurity. She also highlighted that the rules under the amended act would minimize corruption and improve public service delivery by reducing reliance on paperwork.
The bill’s introduction signals the government’s commitment to digital transformation, with a vision to create a progressive and inclusive digital society in Pakistan.