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Data Protection

Comparing PECA 2016 and the Personal Data Protection Bill 2023: A Critical Analysis of Cybercrime and Data Privacy Laws in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 or more commonly known as the PECA presently appears to be Pakistan’s answer to all things related to the internet and cyber space. In an era where digital technology permeates every aspect of life, the rise of cybercrime presents a significant challenge for governments worldwide. Pakistan addressed this growing concern by enacting the PECA. The law was introduced to provide a legal framework for combating cyber threats, protecting citizens online, and regulating digital space.
29 April 2025
Press Releases

Yousaf Amanat & Associates advised Apple on Data Protection Law

The Firm recently advised Apple on Data Protection Law. The advice was provided in conjunction with the Law Firm Herbert Smith Freehills. Pakistan at present does not have a specific Data Protection Law however the law in Pakistan which provides against cyber-crime Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 also to a large extent caters to Data Protection. The Firm has been providing advise on Data Protection Laws recently. We have seen an uptake on advice on Data Protection Law particularly in conjunction with Covid-19 regulations. The Firm was recently also instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills to provide advise to Bloomberg on Covid-19 regulations with regard to workplace and employees.
28 June 2022
Data Protection

DATA PRIVACY LAW IN PAKISTAN AND ITS APPLICABILITY TO EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

1. THE LAW 1.1. Key legislation and regulations In the main Employment Law or Labour Law as it is more commonly referred to in Pakistan is applicable to lower cadre employees who may be skilled or unskilled. Examples of lower cadre unskilled workers are drivers, gardeners whereas skilled lower cadre employees can be technicians, clerks, bank tellers, receptionist. Such lower cadre employees whether skilled or unskilled are referred to as “Workmen”. All other employees may simply put be not Workmen. The reason behind categorising an employee as a workman or as a non-workman is the simple fact that the Labour Law will only be applicable to a Workman. Thus if an employee is not a workman he will not be able to seek the protection accorded to a Workman under Labour Law and will also not be able to seek the assistance of courts for the enforcement of the labour rights.
22 June 2022
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