Yes, I am a cybercriminal

In societies where governments impose such restrictions and sanctions, it becomes difficult to survive democratically.

Haeeb Khawaja September 28, 2015
While trying to decipher governing policies of the world, I find that western countries are edging more towards moderation and tolerance while Muslim countries, on the other hand, are becoming more narrow-minded and intolerant. Pakistan has jumped onto the bandwagon of intolerance with the induction of its new cybercrime bill.

In spite of various objections, criticisms, and numerous online and offline protests, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Technology forcefully approved the final draft of the cybercrime bill 2015, without making any amendments, and has sent it to the National Assembly for approval. The use of the word ‘forceful’ is due to the fact that the final draft of the bill was not shared with other committee members, which is an unfair step taken by the chairman of the committee.

It has come down to the state wanting to control its citizens in the most undemocratic way, despite being a democratic country. Freedom of speech and expression will be strictly monitored through this controversial bill. Clearly, censoring print and electronic media in the past was not enough for them. It feels as if the bill is imposing martial law on us through the existing puppet government of Pakistan.

The approval of the cybercrime bill will surely serve as a deathly blow to the field of journalism. Though this isn’t solely a matter of concern for journalists, rather this bill will affect nearly every individual, from activists to common citizens.

Online platforms have always been one of the only places in Pakistan where we could fully exercise our basic human right of freedom of expression without being scrutinised for each and every move. After the legalisation of this bill through parliament, all internet users should be prepared to be labelled as cybercriminals, not only by the government and law enforcement agencies, but by various ideological groups as well. By labelling its citizens as cybercriminals, the state can control us further by handing out punishments when deemed correct by them.

The cybercrime bill has extensive powers; for instance, the proposed controversial bill has criminalised minor activities such as sending an email or text message without the receiver’s permission or criticising government actions on social media. These harmless acts will be punishable by heavy fines and long-term imprisonments. Through these extreme measures, the culture of tolerance and the idea of difference of opinions will be lost, something which we had achieved after arduous efforts over the last seven decades.

In societies where governments impose such unfair restrictions and sanctions, it becomes difficult to survive democratically.

Therefore, every internet user must raise their voice against the controversial cybercrime bill. We must not accept this online imposition of martial law. It’s imperative to stand united and run a proper online and offline series of peaceful countrywide protests against this controversial bill. Our protest should be heard up till the highest levels of governance.

The controversial bill, as it stands in its current form, needs lot of amendments. The government is trying their best to curtail basic human rights under the guise of countering terrorism. Mainstream media agencies should play their part by speaking against this bill rather than highlighting positive aspects of this controversial bill.

As a journalist, a human rights activist, and a loyal citizen, if I have fact-based opinions against the corrupt government or anyone, and I happen to express it on social media (which is my basic human right, freedom of expression) and I happen to be sued under the cybercrime bill, then yes, I am a cybercriminal and I take pride in it.
WRITTEN BY:
Haeeb Khawaja The author is a freelance journalist by profession and a social worker by nature. He tweets as @Haseeb__Khawaja (https://mobile.twitter.com/haseeb__khawaja)
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (8)

Haseeb Khawaja | 8 years ago | Reply Today is the very encouraging day for me because I get a chance to speak on Cybercrime Bill {Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2015 – 16 (PECB15 - 16)}’s flaws in a Lobbying Session with Legislators/ Civil Society. I was not expecting that people are inspiring from my Journalism and Activism this way. Well it's a super good start of my new year, because: ::: 1.::: Shahi Syed (Senator and Chairman of the Information Technology and Telecommunication Committee of the Senate of Pakistan's Government) said about me that I didn't know what is written in this proposed Cybercrime Bill; Haseeb Khawaja explained it to me very well. The work which did by young Haseeb Khawaja, previously elders used to do such kind of work. Haseeb Khawaja did a great job. And I promise that we will never approve this proposed bill in its current form, at any cost. And he said all this on podium, in front of everybody. ::: 2.::: Qamer Naseem {Chairman, Blue Vains (Peshawar, Pakistan) and the main person who arranged the Lobbying Session} said about me that Haseeb Khawaja is my favorite Journalist, I moved ahead against the current proposed Cybercrime Bill getting inspired by Haseeb Khawaja's article on Cyber Crime Bill namely "Yes, I am a Cybercriminal" (which was published in Express Tribune). And he also said all this on podium, in front of everybody. ::: 3.::: Nighat Dad {Executive Director, Digital Rights Foundation (Lahore, Pakistan)} who is an advocate and globally recognized expert authority on cyber related issues in Pakistan said that I (Haseeb Khawja) did an amazing job today. Now I am very happy because my selfless efforts of almost one year did not go wasted. It gave me a countless hope that yes we can transform this democratic country from a security state to a social welfare secular state because there are lots of concerned people here who are ready to understand and support. I want to say a big thanks to all of above mentioned respectable people (who appreciated me), along with all those participants whose clapping for appreciation on my critical views regarding Cybercrime Bill are still echoing in my mind. This remarkable Lobbying Session was held in the capital of Pakistan, jointly arranged by "Blue Veins", "Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network (PCSN)", "Tribal NGOs Consortium (TNC)" Peace - Justice Youth Organization and AAs Foundation, etc. Along with the members of the above mentioned NGOs there are lots of concerned literate citizens from every walk of life came here to participate and support. The aim of the consultation is to help the legislators understand how the proposed controversial Cybercrime Bill in its current form can criminalize the dissent and curb freedom of expression and violate privacy rights which will affect Civil Society, IT businesses and Tech industry, etc in Pakistan. Thanks Haseeb Khawaja Journalist, Documentary Filmmaker and Human Rights/ Peace Activist. Global Citizen (Islamabad, Pakistan). Dated: 8th January, 2016
Haseeb Khawaja | 8 years ago | Reply BOYCOTT the Draconian, Nonsensical, Unconstitutional & Badly Drafted Controversial "Cyber Crime Bill (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2015)", which has been proudly presented to the Pakistan’s National Assembly's floor for debate (and passing as an Act) on 11th December, 2015 by Capt. (R) Mohammad Safdar (MNA, PML-N), the Chairman of Standing Committee of National Assembly on Information Technology and Telecommunication. The final draft of this bill is actually the sole initiative of Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML N). Which has already majority in numbers in National Assembly of Pakistan for getting votes in the favour of this Bill. So, it could easily become an Act. Raise your voice against this bill now because this is the right time, as after passing this bill raising voice will become a serious crime for all of us especially in the cyber world. Thanks Haseeb Khawaja Journalist, Documentary Filmmaker and Human Rights Defender. Global Citizen (Islamabad, Pakistan).
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