AI & the Law · Published April 11, 2026

Deepfakes in Pakistan: Legal Risks and Punishment

There's no law with "deepfake" in its title in Pakistan — but that doesn't mean it's unregulated. Existing cybercrime provisions already cover it, with real penalties.

Quick answer

Deepfakes are prosecuted under existing PECA provisions — mainly Section 21 (modesty/non-consensual images) and Section 20 (dignity/defamation) — carrying up to three years' imprisonment and significant fines. The NCCIA investigates, using its own forensic lab to analyse manipulated media. Being targeted by a deepfake carries no legal exposure for the victim.

How the law actually applies

No standalone 'deepfake law' — existing PECA offences apply

PECA 2016 predates modern deepfake technology, so cases are prosecuted under existing provisions — chiefly Section 21 (offences against modesty, covering superimposed images and non-consensual sexually explicit material) and Section 20 (offences against dignity, for fabricated content that damages reputation).

Punishment can reach three years and heavy fines

Deepfake-related conduct prosecuted under these PECA provisions — creating or sharing AI-manipulated videos, images, or audio intended to deceive or blackmail someone — carries imprisonment of up to three years along with substantial fines, with enhanced penalties in aggravated circumstances.

The NCCIA investigates and can use forensic tools

Since the 2025 amendment, the NCCIA has exclusive investigative authority and its own forensic capability to analyse manipulated media — its lab reports are directly admissible in court, which matters for a category of crime where the manipulation itself needs technical proof.

Being the subject of a deepfake is not your fault, legally

The offence attaches to the person who creates or knowingly shares the manipulated content — a victim has no legal exposure simply because their likeness was used without consent, and should treat reporting it the same way as any other PECA offence.

What Wakeel.org can help with

Explaining the relevant PECA provisions and helping you organize evidence for a report, in plain English or Urdu.

What it cannot do

It cannot file a complaint or removal request, or represent you — a licensed advocate or the NCCIA directly should handle that.

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Frequently asked questions

Is creating a deepfake illegal in Pakistan?

Yes — while there's no separate 'deepfake law,' creating or sharing AI-manipulated videos, images, or audio to deceive or harm someone falls under existing PECA provisions, chiefly Section 21 (modesty) and Section 20 (dignity), with punishment of up to three years' imprisonment and significant fines.

What should I do if a deepfake of me is circulating online?

Preserve evidence (screenshots, URLs, timestamps) immediately, and report it to the NCCIA as you would any PECA offence — you can also apply for removal or blocking of the content. Acting quickly matters, since deepfake content can spread rapidly.

Who investigates deepfake cases in Pakistan?

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which since the 2025 PECA amendment has exclusive investigative authority and its own forensic lab capable of analysing manipulated media, with reports admissible in court.

Can I be held liable for sharing a deepfake I didn't create?

Potentially — knowingly transmitting or sharing manipulated content that violates PECA's dignity or modesty provisions can itself attract liability, separate from whoever originally created it.

Can Wakeel.org help if I'm a deepfake victim?

Wakeel.org can explain the relevant PECA provisions and help you organize evidence for a report, in plain English or Urdu. It cannot file a complaint or removal request, or represent you — a licensed advocate or the NCCIA directly should handle that.

General educational information, not legal advice. See our full disclaimer.

Sources and further reading

Targeted by a deepfake?

Ask Wakeel to help you understand your options and preserve evidence — then report it promptly to the NCCIA.

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