Islamabad, May 14, 2024: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized dissemination of confidential documents or information, asserting that those found responsible will face prosecution under the Official Secrets Act.
In a somewhat ironic twist, the minister chose to make this announcement on X (formerly Twitter), a platform currently inaccessible in the country due to governmental restrictions. This move underscores a growing tension between the government’s directives and the actions of its cabinet members.
Minister Asif emphasized that stringent measures would be taken against individuals involved in the spread of information sourced from official communications or displaying documents marked as “Secret.” He highlighted the government’s serious concerns regarding the proliferation of official secrets, particularly on social media platforms, citing potential risks to Pakistan’s strategic, economic interests, and diplomatic relations.
The minister outlined the penalties for such actions, indicating that both direct leakers and those indirectly involved through sharing would face legal consequences. “Those sharing such documents will face two-year imprisonment and a fine,” he cautioned.
However, amidst these warnings, ambiguity persists within bureaucratic circles regarding the classification of information as “Secret.” When questioned about this, Mr. Asif refuted suggestions of political motives behind the enforcement of security laws, stating, “Laws are there to be used sparingly and equitably, not to serve political objectives.”
The defense minister’s announcement has elicited strong reactions from various quarters, with activists expressing concerns over potential infringements on freedom of expression and media freedom. Nasir Zaidi, former president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, criticized the government for what he perceives as confusion and alignment with a hybrid system, warning of public backlash akin to previous administrations’ attempts to curb freedoms.
Digital rights activist Haroon Baloch drew attention to similar clauses in the Pakistan Electronic Crime Authority (PECA) Act of 2016, suggesting a pattern of attempting to restrict information flow in the country. “By curtailing investigative journalism, the government is also trying to reduce transparency in the system,” Baloch remarked.
Nighat Dad, executive director of the Digital Rights Foundation, advocated for a different approach, urging the government to focus on enacting comprehensive data protection legislation rather than exerting control over the digital space and information flow.
The government’s stance on controlling the dissemination of sensitive information raises questions about the balance between national security concerns and the preservation of civil liberties, sparking debates on the evolving landscape of digital rights and governance in Pakistan.