Limitations and legal obstacles to freedom of speech and expression in Pakistan

Abstract

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 provides explicit protection for the freedom of speech and expression. However, the Constitution has also put some limitations on this right. On the basis of these limitations the legislature has passed a number of laws. In Pakistan the laws regulating the freedom of speech and expression include Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996 (PTA), Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA) and Blasphemy Laws contained in the Pakistan Penal Code 1860 (PPC). This research looks at how these laws have put limits on freedom of speech and expression and how these limitations could be avoided. This research follows a doctrinal legal research methodology, which involves collecting data from various sources such as the constitution and other legal texts. This research concludes that the restrictions on the right to free speech have actually been broadened by these laws. This thesis proposes conducting a thorough review of laws pertaining to the regulation of freedom of expression, with the objective of aligning them harmoniously with the constitutional protection of freedom of expression.