JOURNALISTS’ unions in Pakistan have condemned legislation giving the government sweeping powers to control social media, including by sending users to prison for spreading disinformation.

The Bill was passed on Thursday after legislators from the opposition party of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan staged a walkout in protest.

Critics say the government is seeking to further restrict freedom of speech.

Media unions and human rights defenders have vowed to oppose the law.

Federal Union of Journalists president Afzal Butt said the law was an attempt to suppress the media, social media and journalists.

Leading human rights activist Farhatullah Babar argued that the latest changes to Pakistan’s cybercrime laws were aimed at “further stifling the freedom of expression through setting up of multiple authorities under executive control, enlarging the print of unaccountable intelligence agencies.”

He said the law also “gives sweeping powers to the executive not only over the contents of the message but also the messengers, namely the social media platforms.”

Under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, introduced in the National Assembly on Wednesday, authorities will create an agency with the power to order the immediate blocking of social media content deemed “unlawful and offensive,” such as content that is critical of judges, the armed forces, parliament or provincial assemblies. 

Individuals and organisations posting such content may also be blocked from social media.

Under the law, social media platforms would be required to register with the new Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, with those failing to comply risking temporary or permanent bans. 

The law also makes spreading disinformation a criminal offence, punishable by three years in prison and a fine of two million rupees (around £5,855).

Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan denounced the proposed legislation, saying it was aimed at further curbing freedom of speech. 

He added that the Bill could “lay a foundation for the suppression of voices advocating for constitutional rights.”