ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Friday passed the Prevention of Electronics Crimes Bill, unanimously with certain amendments, envisages 14-year imprisonment, Rs 5 million fine for cyber terrorism, seven-year imprisonment each for campaigning against innocent people on the internet, spreading hate material on the basis of ethnicity, religion and sect or taking part in child pornography.

State Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rahman piloted the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill-2016 in the House as reported by the standing committee.

The members including Shibili Faraz, Usman Khan Kakar, Daud Achakzai, Aitzaz Ahsan, Siraj ul Haq and others proposed amendments to the bill which were incorporated in the bill.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, the bill was need of the hour as there was no comprehensive law related to prevention of electronics crimes in the country.

She said the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was receiving a number of complaints about cyber crimes but having no such law in the country no action could be taken against such people.

She said there were reservations of some people and organizations about the bill but certain amendments had been made in it after consultation with all the political parties so that no innocent person could be given punishment under the law.

The Minister said that after listening to all the stakeholders and recommendations of the Standing Committee had been included in the bill.

She added that special courts would be set up to listen to such cases, however, she added that except for terrorism related and taking part in child pornography crimes, no other person could be arrested without court’s orders. -APP