Islamabad: Cyber-terrorism causing death is to be a capital crime, Pakistan's government declared today, as it seeks to get tough with extremism and high-tech offences.
An ordinance issued by President Asif Ali Zardari, released by state media, said: "Whoever commits the offence of cyber-terrorism and causes death of any person shall be punishable with death or imprisonment for life."
The ordinance deals with crimes deemed to be detrimental to national security through the use of a computer or any other electronic device.
It will apply to Pakistanis and foreigners whether living in Pakistan or abroad. The proposal also provides for Pakistani authorities to cooperate with any foreign government or international agency as part of their inquiries.
The proposal, which still has to go to parliament for approval, is part of wide-ranging moves to crack down on cybercrime, including electronic fraud, data damage and illegally accessing information.
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance also declared that communication of "obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious or indecent language, picture or image" will be against the law.
It provides punishment ranging from three to seven years and a fine, according to the nature of the offence.
