MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY &TELECOMMUNICATIONPERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL 2020

CONSULTATION DRAFT: V.09.04.2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1

Short title, extent and commencement. ................................................................................... 4

2

Definitions. .............................................................................................................................. 4

3

Scope and applicability. ........................................................................................................... 5

4

Protection of personal data ...................................................................................................... 6

5

General requirements for personal data collection and processing ......................................... 6

6

Notice to the data subject......................................................................................................... 6

7

Non-disclosure of personal data .............................................................................................. 7

8

Security requirements .............................................................................................................. 8

9

Data Retention requirements.- ................................................................................................. 8

10

Data integrity and access to data.- ....................................................................................... 8

11

Record to be kept by data controller .................................................................................... 912transfer of personal data.- .................................................................................................... 913

Personal data breach notification._ ...................................................................................... 9

14

Cross border transfer of Personal Data .............................................................................. 10

15

Framework on Conditions for Cross-Border Transfer of Personal Data. — ..................... 10

16

Right of access to personal data ......................................................................................... 10

17

Compliance with data access request ................................................................................. 11

18

Circumstances where data controller may refuse to comply with data access request ...... 11

19

Right to correct personal data ............................................................................................ 12

20

Compliance with data correction request ........................................................................... 13

21

Circumstances where data controller may refuse to comply with data correction request.14

22

Notification of refusal to comply with data correction request ......................................... 14

23

Withdrawal of consent to process personal data.- ............................................................. 15

24

Extent of disclosure of personal data ................................................................................. 15

25

Right to prevent processing likely to cause damage or distress......................................... 16

26

Rights of foreign data subjects ........................................................................................... 17

27

Right to erasure .................................................................................................................. 17

28

Processing of sensitive personal data ................................................................................. 18

29

Repeated collection of personal data in same circumstanceS ............................................ 1930

Exemption .......................................................................................................................... 1931Power to make further exemptions.- .................................................................................. 20
1

32

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE Authority_ ......................................................................... 21

33

Functions of the Authority ................................................................................................. 2234Powers of the Authority: .................................................................................................... 23

35

Delegation OF POWERS ................................................................................................... 2436Power of the Authority to call for information .................................................................. 24

37

Meetings of the Authority .................................................................................................. 2538Powers of the Federal Government to Issue Policy Directives.......................................... 25

39

Appointment of employees. ............................................................................................... 25

40

Funds: ................................................................................................................................. 26

41

Unlawful processing of personal data ................................................................................ 27

42

Failure to adopt appropriate data security measures .......................................................... 27

43

Failure to comply with orders ............................................................................................ 27

44

Corporate liability .............................................................................................................. 28

45

ComplainT ......................................................................................................................... 28

46

AppeaL ............................................................................................................................... 29

47

Temporary provisions.— ................................................................................................... 2948

Power to make rules.— ...................................................................................................... 30

49

Relationship of the Act with other laws.- .......................................................................... 30

50

Removal of difficulties ...................................................................................................... 30

51

Winding up of the Authority .............................................................................................. 30

Statement of Objects ..................................................................................................................... 30

2

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL 2019

A Bill to govern the collection, processing, use and disclosure of personal data and to establish
and making provisions about offenses relating to violation of the right to data privacy of
individuals by collecting, obtaining or processing of personal data by any means.
Whereas it is expedient to provide for the processing, obtaining, holding, usage and disclosure ofdata while respecting the rights, freedoms and dignity of natural persons with special regard totheir right to privacy, secrecy and personal identity and for matters connected therewith andancillary thereto;
Now therefore it is enacted as follows:3

CHAPTER IPRELIMINARY
1SHORT TITLE, EXTENT AND COMMENCEMENT.

1.1

This Act may be called the Personal Data Protection Act, 2020.

1.2

It extends to the whole of Pakistan.

1.3

It shall come into force after one year from the date of its promulgation or such other date
not falling beyond two years from the date of its promulgation as the Federal Government
may determine through a notification in the Official Gazette providing at least three months
advance notice of the effective date.

2

DEFINITIONS.

In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,─
a) “data subject” means a natural person who is the subject of the personal data;b) “personal data” means any information that relates directly or indirectly to a data
subject, who is identified or identifiable from that information or from that and otherinformation in the possession of a data controller, including any sensitive personal data.
c)
d)
e)
f)

Provided that anonymized, encrypted or pseudonymized data which is incapable of identifying
an individual is not personal data.
“data controller” means a natural or legal person or the government, who either alone or
jointly has the authority to make a decision on the collection, obtaining, usage or disclosure of
personal data.;“data processor” means a natural or legal person or the government who alone or in
conjunction with other(s) processes data on behalf of the data controller.
“Anonymized Data” means information which does not relate to an identified or identifiable
natural person or to personal data rendered anonymous in such a manner that the data subject is
not or no longer identifiable.
” processing” means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or
on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording,organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use,
disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or
combination, restriction, erasure or destruction;g) “third party”, in relation to personal data, means any person other than—(i) a data subject;(ii) a relevant person in relation to a data subject;(iii) a data controller;(iv) a data processor; or(v) a person authorized in writing by the data controller to process the personal data
under the direct control of the data controller;h) “ filing system” means any set of data structured according to specific criteria suitable foraccessing and/or processing of data;i) “relevant person” in relation to a data subject means (a) in the case of a data subject

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who is below the age of 18 years, the parent or a guardian appointed by a court ofcompetent jurisdiction; (b) in case of a data subject who is incapable of managing his
own affairs, a person who is appointed by a court to manage those affairs; or (c) a person
authorized by the data subject to make a data access and/or data correction request.
j) “rules” means rules made under this Act; andk) “sensitive personal data” means and includes data relating to access control (username
and/or password), financial information such as bank account, credit card, debit card, orother payment instruments, and, passports, biometric data, and physical, psychological,
and mental health conditions, medical records, and any detail pertaining to anindividual’s ethnicity, religious beliefs, or any other information for the purposes of thisAct and rules made thereunder.
l) ”consent” of the data subject means any freely given, specific, informed andunambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which he or she, by a statement
or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to the collecting, obtaining andprocessing of personal data relating to him or her;m) “pseudonymisation” means the processing of personal data in such a manner that thepersonal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use ofadditional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately andis subject to technical and organizational measures to ensure that the personal data are
not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person;n) “vital interests” means matters relating to life, death or security of a data subject;o) “Authority" means the Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) established under
section [32] of the Act;“Critical Personal Data” -- to be classified by the Authority withthe approval of the Federal Government.
3

SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY.

3.1

This Act applies to—a) any person who processes; or
has control over or authorizes the processing of, any personal data provided any of thedata subject, controller, or processor (either local or foreign) is located in Pakistan.;
Subject to subsection (1),This Act applies to a person in respect of personal data if—

3.2

A data controller or processor falling within clause (a) of subsection (1) notregistered/established in Pakistan shall nominate for the purposes of this Act a representativein Pakistan.

3.3

For the purposes of subsections (2) and (3), each of the following is to be treated as
established in Pakistan:a) an individual whose physical presence in Pakistan shall not be less than one hundred andeighty days in one calendar year;b) a body incorporated under the Companies Act 2017 (Act XIX of 2017);c) a partnership or other unincorporated association formed under any written laws inPakistan; andd) any person who does not fall within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) but maintains in Pakistan—(i) an office, branch or agency through which he carries on any activity; or5

(ii) a regular practice.

CHAPTER II
PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA AND OBLIGATIOINS OF THE
DATA CONTROLLER AND DATA PROCESSORS

4PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA

The collection, processing and disclosure of personal data shall only be done in compliance withthe provisions of this Act.
5

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL DATA COLLECTION AND
PROCESSING

5.1

A data controller shall not process personal data including sensitive personal data of a data
subject unless the data subject has given his consent to the processing of the personal data.

5.2

Notwithstanding sub-section (1) , a data controller may process personal data about a data
subject if the processing is necessary—a) for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party;b) for taking steps at the request of the data subject with a view to entering into a contract;c) for compliance with any legal obligation to which the data controller is the subject, otherthan an obligation imposed by a contract;d) in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject;e) for the administration of justice pursuant to an order of the court of competentjurisdiction;f) for legitimate interests pursued by the data controller; org) for the exercise of any functions conferred on any person by or under any law.

5.3

Personal data shall not be processed unless—a) the personal data is processed for a lawful purpose directly related to an activity of thedata controller;b) the processing of the personal data is necessary for or directly related to that purpose;andc) the personal data is adequate but not excessive in relation to that purpose.

6

NOTICE TO THE DATA SUBJECT

6.1

A data controller shall by written notice inform a data subject—a) that personal data of the data subject is being collected by or on behalf of a Data
Controller, , and shall provide a description of the personal data to that data subject;b) the legal basis for the processing of personal data and time duration for which data islikely to be processed and retained thereafter; the purposes for which the personal data
is being or is to be collected and further processed;c) of any information available to the data controller as to the source of that personal6

data;d) of the data subject’s right to request access to and to request correction of the personal
data and how to contact the data controller with any inquiries or complaints in respectof the personal data;e) of the class of third parties to whom the data controller discloses or may disclose thepersonal data;f) of the choices and means the data controller offers the data subject for limiting theprocessing of personal data, including personal data relating to other persons who may
be identified from that personal data;g) whether it is obligatory or voluntary for the data subject to supply the personal data; andh) where it is obligatory for the data subject to supply the personal data, the consequences
for the data subject if he fails to supply the personal data.
6.2

The notice under sub-section (1) shall be given as soon as reasonably possible by the data
controller—a) when the data subject is first asked by the data controller to provide his personal data;b) when the data controller first collects the personal data of the data subject; orc) in any other case, before the data controller—i.
uses the personal data of the data subject for a purpose other than the purpose forwhich the personal data was collected; orii.
discloses the personal data to a third party.

6.3

A notice under sub-section (1) shall be in the national and English languages, and theindividual shall be provided with a clear and readily accessible means to exercise his choice,where necessary, in the national and English languages.

7

NON-DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL DATA

Subject to section 24, no personal data shall, without the consent of the data subject, be disclosed—a) for any purpose other than—i.
the purpose for which the personal data was to be disclosed at the time of collectionof the personal data; orii.
a purpose directly related to the purpose referred to in subparagraph (i); orb) to any party other than a third party of the class of third parties as specified in clause (e) of
sub-section (1) of section 6.

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8

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

8.1

The Authority shall prescribe standards to protect personal data from any loss, misuse,modification, unauthorized or accidental access or disclosure, alteration or destruction.

8.2

A data controller or processor shall, when collecting or processing personal data, takepractical steps to protect the personal data in the terms mentioned under sub-section (1) byhaving regard—a) to the nature of the personal data and the harm that would result from such loss, misuse,modification, unauthorized or accidental access or disclosure, alteration or destruction;b) to the place or location where the personal data is stored;c) to any security measures incorporated into any equipment in which the personal data isstored;d) to the measures taken for ensuring the reliability, integrity and competence of personnel
having access to the personal data; ande) to the measures taken for ensuring the secure transfer of the personal data.

8.3

Where processing of personal data is carried out by a data processor on behalf of the data
controller, the data controller shall, for the purpose of protecting the personal data in theterms mentioned at sub-section (1) ensure that the data processor undertakes to adopt
applicable technical and organizational security standards governing processing of personaldata, as prescribed by the Authority

8.4

The data processor is independently liable to take steps to ensure compliance with security
standards prescribed under sub-section (1).

9DATA RETENTION REQUIREMENTS.-

9.1

The personal data processed for any purpose shall not be kept longer than is necessary forthe fulfilment of that purpose.

9.2

It shall be the duty of a data controller to take all reasonable steps to ensure that all personal
data is destroyed or permanently deleted if it is no longer required for the purpose for which
it was to be processed.

10 DATA INTEGRITY AND ACCESS TO DATA.10.1 A data controller shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal data is accurate,complete, not misleading and kept up-to-date by having regard to the purpose, including any
directly related purpose, for which the personal data was collected and further processed.
10.2 A data subject shall be given access to his personal data held by a data controller and be able
to correct that personal data where the personal data is inaccurate, incomplete, misleadingor not up-to-date, except where compliance with a request to such access or correction isrefused under this Act.

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11 RECORD TO BE KEPT BY DATA CONTROLLER
11.1 A data controller shall keep and maintain a record of any application, notice, request or any
other information relating to personal data that has been or is being processed by him.
11.2 The Authority may determine the manner and form in which the record is to be maintained.

12 TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA.12.1 Personal data shall not be transferred to any unauthorized person or system.

13 PERSONAL DATA BREACH NOTIFICATION._
13.1 In the event of a personal data breach, data controller shall without undue delay and where
reasonably possible, not beyond 72 hours of becoming aware of the personal data breach,notify the Authority in respect of the personal data breach except where the personal data
breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of data subject.
13.2 In the event of delay in notifying personal data breach beyond 72 hours, the personal data
breach notification to the Authority shall be accompanied by reasons for the delay.
13.3 The personal data breach notification shall at least provide the following information:a) description of the nature of the personal data breach including where possible, thecategories and approximate number of data subjects concerned and the categories andapproximate number of personal data records concerned;b) name and contact details of the data protection officer or other contact point where more
information can be obtained;c) likely consequences of the personal data breach;d) measures adopted or proposed to be adopted by the data controller to address the personal
data breach, including, where appropriate, measures to mitigate its possible adverse
effects.The data controller may provide the above listed information as per sub-section(3) inphases without undue delay, where it is not possible to provide the information at the same time.

913.4 The data controller shall maintain record of any personal data breaches, comprising the facts
relating to the personal data breach, its effects and the remedial action taken.
13.5 The data processor shall also follow the personal data breach notification requirements under
this section in event of becoming aware of a personal data breach.

14 CROSS BORDER TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA
Provided that if personal data is required to be transferred to any system located beyond
territories of Pakistan or system that is not under the direct control of any of the governments
in Pakistan, it shall be ensured that the country where the data is being transferred offers
personal data protection at least equivalent to the protection provided under this Act and thedata so transferred shall be processed in accordance with this Act and, where applicable, theconsent given by the data subject.
14.1 Critical personal data shall only be processed in a server or data centre located in Pakistan.
14.2 Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the Federal Government may notify
certain categories of personal data as exempt from the requirement under sub-section (1) on
the grounds of necessity or strategic interests of the State.
14.3 Nothing contained in sub-section (3) shall apply to sensitive personal data.

15 FRAMEWORK ON CONDITIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER TRANSFER OFPERSONAL DATA. —15.1 Personal data other than those categorize as critical personal data may be transferred outside
the territory of Pakistan under a framework (on conditions) to be devised by the Authority.
15.2 The Authority shall also devise a mechanism for keeping a copy of personal data in Pakistan
to which this act applies.

CHAPTER III
RIGHTS OF DATA SUBJECTS

16 RIGHT OF ACCESS TO PERSONAL DATA
16.1 An individual is entitled to be informed by a data controller whether personal data of whichthat individual is the data subject is being processed by or on behalf of the data controller.
16.2 A requestor may upon payment of a prescribed fee make a data access request in writing to
the data controller—a) for information of the data subject’s personal data that is being processed by or on behalfof the data controller; andb) to have communicated to him a copy of the personal data in an intelligible form.
1016.3 A data access request for any information under sub-section (2) shall be treated as a single
request, and a data access request for information under clause (a) of sub-section (2) shall,in the absence of any indication to the contrary, be treated as extending also to such request
under clause (b) of subsection (2).
16.4 Where a data controller does not hold the personal data, but controls the processing of thepersonal data in such a way as to prohibit the data controller who holds the personal datafrom complying, whether in whole or part, with the data access request under subsection (2)which relates to the personal data, the first mentioned data controller shall be deemed to holdthe personal data and the provisions of this Act shall be construed accordingly.

17 COMPLIANCE WITH DATA ACCESS REQUEST
17.1 Subject to sub-section (2) and section 14, a data controller shall comply with a data accessrequest under section 10 not later than [thirty] days from the date of receipt of the data accessrequest.
17.2 A data controller who is unable to comply with a data access request within the period
specified in subsection (1) shall before the expiration of that period—a) by notice in writing inform the requestor that the data controller is unable to comply withthe data access request within such period and the reasons why the data controller isunable to do so; andb) comply with the data access request to the extent that the data controller is able to do so.
17.3 Notwithstanding subsection (2), the data controller shall comply in whole with the data
access request not later than fourteen days after the expiration of the period stipulated insubsection (1).

18 CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE DATA CONTROLLER MAY REFUSE TO COMPLYWITH DATA ACCESS REQUEST
18.1 A data controller may refuse to comply with a data access request under section 10 if—a) the data controller is not supplied with such information as the data controller may
reasonably require—i.
in order to satisfy itself as to the identity of the requestor; orii. where the requestor claims to be a relevant person, in order to satisfy itself—
a. as to the identity of the data subject in relation to whom the requestor claims to be therelevant person; andb. that the requestor is the relevant person in relation to the data subject;iii. to locate the personal data to which the data access request relates;b) the data controller cannot comply with the data access request without disclosing
personal data relating to another individual who can be identified from that information,
unless—i.
that other individual has consented to the disclosure of the information to the11requestor; orii. it is reasonable in all the circumstances to comply with the data access request
without the consent of the other individual;c) subject to subsection (3), any other data controller controls the processing of the personal
data to which the data access request relates in such a way as to prohibit the firstmentioned data controller from complying, whether in whole or in part, with the data
access request;d) providing access may constitute a violation of an order of a court;e) providing access may disclose confidential information relating to business of the data
controller; orf) such access to personal data is regulated by another law.
18.2 In determining for the purposes of clause (ii) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) whether it isreasonable in all the circumstances to comply with the data access request without theconsent of the other individual, regard shall be given, in particular, to—a) any duty of confidentiality owed to the other individual;b) any steps taken by the data controller with a view to seeking the consent of the otherindividual;c) whether the other individual is capable of giving consent; andd) any express refusal of consent by the other individual.
18.3 Clause (c) of sub-section (1) shall not operate so as to excuse the data controller fromcomplying with the data access request under subsection (2) of section 10 to any extent thatthe data controller can comply with the data access request without contravening theprohibition concerned.

19 RIGHT TO CORRECT PERSONAL DATA
19.1 Where—a) a copy of the personal data has been supplied by the data controller in compliance withthe data access request under section 10 and the requestor considers that the personal data
is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or not up-to-date; orb) the data subject knows that his personal data being held by the data controller is
inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or not up-to-date, the requestor or data subject, as
the case may be, may make a data correction request in writing to the data controllerthat the data controller makes the necessary correction to the personal data.
19.2 Where a data controller does not hold the personal data, but controls the processing of thepersonal data in such a way as to prohibit the data controller who holds the personal datafrom complying, whether in whole or in part, with the data correction request undersubsection (1) which relates to the personal data, the first-mentioned data controller shall bedeemed to be the data controller to whom such a request may be made and the provisions of
this Act shall be construed accordingly.

1220 COMPLIANCE WITH DATA CORRECTION REQUEST
20.1 Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (5) and section 19, where a data controller is satisfied thatthe personal data to which a data correction request relates is inaccurate, incomplete,misleading or not up-to-date, he shall, not later than thirty days from the date of receipt ofthe data correction request—a) make the necessary correction to the personal data;b) supply the requestor with a copy of the personal data as corrected; andc) subject to subsection (4), where—i.
the personal data has been disclosed to a third party during the twelve months
immediately preceding the day on which the correction is made; andii.
the data controller has no reason to believe that the third party has ceased using thepersonal data for the purpose, including any directly related purpose, for which thepersonal data was disclosed to the third party,
take all practicable steps to supply the third party with a copy of the personal dataso corrected accompanied by a notice in writing stating the reasons for thecorrection.
20.2 A data controller who is unable to comply with a data correction request within the period
specified in subsection (1) shall before the expiration of that period—a) by notice in writing inform the requestor that he is unable to comply with the data
correction request within such period and the reasons why he is unable to do so; andb) comply with the data correction request to the extent that he is able to do so.
20.3 Notwithstanding subsection (2), the data controller shall comply in whole with the data
correction request not later than fourteen days after the expiration of the period stipulated insubsection (1).
20.4 A data controller is not required to comply with paragraph (1)(c) in any case where thedisclosure of the personal data to a third party consists of the third party’s own inspection ofa register—a) in which the personal data is entered or otherwise recorded; andb) which is available for inspection by the public.
20.5 Where a data controller is requested to correct personal data under subsection (1) of section
17 and the personal data is being processed by another data controller that is in a better
position to respond to the data correction request—a) the first-mentioned data controller shall immediately transfer the data correction request
to such data controller, and notify the requestor of this fact; andb) sections 17, 18, 19 and 20 shall apply as if the references therein to a data controller werereferences to such other data controller.

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21 CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE DATA CONTROLLER MAY REFUSE TO COMPLYWITH DATA CORRECTION REQUEST.21.1 A data controller may refuse to comply with a data correction request under section 20 if—a) the data controller is not supplied with such information as it may reasonably require—i.
in order to satisfy itself as to the identity of the requestor; orii.
where the requestor claims to be a relevant person, in order to satisfy itself—
a. as to the identity of the data subject in relation to whom the requestor claims to be therelevant person; andb. that the requestor is the relevant person in relation to the data subject;b) the data controller is not supplied with such information as it may reasonably require toascertain in what way the personal data to which the data correction request relates is
inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or not up-to-date;c) the data controller is not satisfied that the personal data to which the data correction
request relates is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or not up-to-date;d) the data controller is not satisfied that the correction which is the subject of the data
correction request is accurate, complete, not misleading or up-to-date; ore) subject to subsection (2), any other data controller controls the processing of the personal
data to which the data correction request relates in such a way as to prohibit the firstmentioned data controller from complying, whether in whole or in part, with the data
correction request.
21.2 Clause (e) of sub-section (1) shall not operate so as to excuse the data controller fromcomplying with subsection (1) of section 20 in relation to the data correction request to any
extent that the data controller can comply with that subsection without contravening theprohibition concerned.

22 NOTIFICATION OF REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH DATA CORRECTIONREQUEST
22.1 Where a data controller who pursuant to section 21 refuses to comply with a data correction
request under section 20 , it shall, not later than thirty days from the date of receipt of thedata correction request, by notice in writing, inform the requestor—a) of the refusal and the reasons for the refusal; andb) where clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 21 is applicable, of the name and addressof the other data controller concerned.
22.2 Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), where personal data to which the data
correction request relates is an expression of opinion and the data controller is not satisfied
that the expression of opinion is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or not up-to-date, thedata controller shall—a) make a note, whether annexed to the personal data or elsewhere—i.
ii.

of the matters in respect of which the expression of opinion is considered by therequestor to be inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or not up-to-date; andin such a way that the personal data cannot be used by any person without the note14

being drawn to the attention of and being available for inspection by that person; andb) attach a copy of the note to the notice referred to in subsection (1) which relates to thedata correction request.
22.3 In this section, “expression of opinion” includes an assertion of fact which is unverifiable orin all circumstances of the case is not practicable to verify.

23 WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT TO PROCESS PERSONAL DATA.23.1 A data subject may by notice in writing withdraw his consent to the processing of personal
data in respect of which he is the data subject.
23.2 The data controller shall, upon receiving the notice under subsection (1), cease theprocessing of the personal data.
23.3 The failure of the data subject to exercise the right conferred by subsection (1) does notaffect any other rights conferred on him by this Part.
23.4 A data controller who contravenes subsection (2) commits an offence and shall, on
conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five million rupees or to imprisonment for aterm not exceeding one year or to both.

24 EXTENT OF DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL DATA
Notwithstanding section 7, personal data of a data subject may be disclosed by a data controller
for any purpose other than the purpose for which the personal data was to be disclosed at the timeof its collection or any other purpose directly related to that purpose, only under the following
circumstances:a) the data subject has given his consent to the disclosure;b) the disclosure —i.
is necessary for the purpose of preventing or detecting a crime, or for the purposeof investigations; orii.
was required or authorized by or under any law or by the order of a court;c) the data controller acted in the reasonable belief that he had in law the right to disclose
the personal data to the other person;d) the data controller acted in the reasonable belief that he would have had the consent of
the data subject if the data subject had known of the disclosing of the personal data andthe circumstances of such disclosure; ore) the disclosure was justified as being in the public interest in circumstances as determinedby the Authority in advance of the disclosure.

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25 RIGHT TO PREVENT PROCESSING LIKELY TO CAUSE DAMAGE OR
DISTRESS
25.1 Subject to subsection (2), a data subject may, at any time by notice in writing to a data
controller, referred to as the “data subject notice”, require the data controller at the end ofsuch period as is reasonable in the circumstances, to—a) cease the processing of or processing for a specified purpose or in a specified manner;orb) not begin the processing of or processing for a specified purpose or in a specified
manner, any personal data in respect of which he is the data subject if, based on reasons
to be stated by him—i.
the processing of that personal data or the processing of personal data for that
purpose or in that manner is causing or is likely to cause substantial damage orsubstantial distress to him or a relevant person; andii.
the damage or distress is or would be unwarranted.
25.2 Subsection (1) shall not apply where—a) the data subject has given his consent;b) the processing of personal data is necessary—i.
for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party;ii.
for the taking of steps at the request of the data subject with a view to entering acontract;iii.
for compliance with any legal obligation to which the data controller is the subject,other than an obligation imposed by contract; oriv.
in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject; orc) in such other cases as may be prescribed by the Federal Government uponrecommendations of the Authority through publication in the Official Gazette.
25.3 The data controller shall, within twenty-one days from the date of receipt of the data subject
notice under subsection (1), give the data subject a written notice—a) stating that he has complied or intends to comply with the data subject notice; orb) stating his reasons for regarding the data subject notice as unjustified, or to any extent
unjustified, and the extent, if any, to which he has complied or intends to comply withit.
25.4 Where the data subject is dissatisfied with the failure of the data controller to comply withthe data subject notice, whether in whole or in part, under subsection (3) (b), the data subject
may submit a complaint to the Authority to require the data controller to comply with thedata subject notice.
25.5 Where the Authority is satisfied that the complaint of the data subject under subsection (4)is justified or justified to any extent, the Authority may require the data controller to takesuch steps for complying with the data subject notice.

16

26 RIGHTS OF FOREIGN DATA SUBJECTS
Foreign data subject shall have all his rights, if any provided under the laws of the country or
territory where the foreign data has been collected or data subject resides in so far as consistent
with this Act..

27 RIGHT TO ERASURE
27.1 The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the data controller the erasure of personal
data concerning him without undue delay and the data controller shall have the obligation toerase personal data within a period of 14 days where one or more of the following condition
applies:a) the personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they werecollected or otherwise processed;b) the data subject withdraws consent on which the processing is based in accordance withsection 23 (1) and where there is no other legal ground for the processing; orc) the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to sub-section (2) of section 23;d) the personal data have been unlawfully processed; ore) the personal data have to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation.
27.2 Where the data controller has made the personal data public and is obliged pursuant tosubsection (1) to erase the personal data, the data controller, taking account of available
technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technicalmeasures, to inform data processors which are processing the personal data that the data
subject has requested the erasure by such data controllers of any links to, or copy or
replication of, those personal data.
27.3 Subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply to the extent that processing is necessary:a) for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;b) for compliance with a legal obligation or for the performance of a task carried out in the
public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;c) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health;d) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or
statistical purposes in so far as the right referred to in subsection (1) is likely to render
impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; ore) for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

17

CHAPTER IV
PROCESSING OF SENSITIVE PERSONAL DATA
28 PROCESSING OF SENSITIVE PERSONAL DATA
28.1 Subject to subsection (2) of section 5, a data controller shall not process any sensitive
personal data of a data subject except in accordance with the following conditions:a) the data subject has given his explicit consent to the processing of the personal data; andb) the processing is necessary—i.
for the purposes of exercising or performing any right or obligation which isconferred or imposed by law on the data controller in connection with
employment; orii. in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another person, in acase where—
a. consent cannot be given by or on behalf of the data subject; orb. the data controller cannot reasonably be expected to obtain the consent of
the data subject;iii.
in order to protect the vital interests of another person, in a case where consent
by or on behalf of the data subject has been unreasonably withheld;iv.
for medical purposes and is undertaken by—a. a healthcare professional; orb. a person who in the circumstances owes a duty of confidentiality whichis equivalent to that which would arise if that person were a healthcare
professional;v.
for the purpose of, or in connection with, any legal proceedings;
vi.
for the purpose of obtaining legal advice while ensuring its integrity and secrecy;vii.
for the purposes of establishing, exercising or defending legal rights;
viii.
for the administration of justice pursuant to orders of a court of competentjurisdiction; orix. for the exercise of any functions conferred on any person by or under any writtenlaw;c) the information contained in the personal data has been made public as a result of steps
deliberately taken by the data subject.
28.2 The Authority may by order published in the Gazette exclude the application of clauses (i),(viii) or (ix) of clause (b) of subsection (1) in such cases as may be specified in the order, or
provide that, in such cases as may be specified in the order, any condition in clauses (i),(viii)or (ix) of clause (b) of subsection (1) is not to be regarded as satisfied unless such further
conditions as may be specified in the order are also satisfied.
Explanation.- For the purposes of this section—“medical purposes” includes the purposes of preventive medicine, medical diagnosis,
medical research, rehabilitation and the provision of care and treatment and the18management of healthcare services;“healthcare professional” means a medical practitioner, dental practitioner, pharmacist,
clinical psychologist, nurse, midwife, medical assistant, physiotherapist, occupational
therapist and other allied healthcare professionals and any other person involved in thegiving of medical, health, dental, pharmaceutical or any other healthcare services
authorized to provide such services under the laws of Pakistan.

CHAPTER V
EXEMPTIONS

29 REPEATED COLLECTION OF PERSONAL DATA IN SAME CIRCUMSTANCES
29.1 Where a data controller—a) has complied with the requirements of this Act in respect of the collection of personal
data from the data subject, referred to as the “first collection”; and on any subsequentoccasion again collects personal data from that data subject, referred to as the“subsequent collection”, the data controller shall not be required to comply with therequirements of section 7 in respect of the subsequent collection if—i.
to comply with those provisions in respect of that subsequent collection would
be to repeat, in the same circumstances, what was done to comply with thatprinciple in respect of the first collection; andii.
not more than twelve months have elapsed between the first collection
and the subsequent collection.
29.2 For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that subsection (1) shall not operate to prevent a
subsequent collection from becoming a first collection if the data controller concerned hascomplied with the provisions of the notice and consent in respect of the subsequent
collection.

30 EXEMPTION
30.1 The personal data processed by an individual only for the purposes of that individual’s
personal, family or household affairs, including recreational purposes shall be exemptedfrom the provisions of this Act.
30.2 Subject to section [28] and critical personal data, personal data—a) processed fori. the prevention or detection of crime or for the purpose of investigations;ii. the apprehension or prosecution of offenders; oriii. the assessment or collection of any tax or duty or any other imposition of a similar
nature by the relevant authorityshall be exempted from sections 5, 6, 7 and subsection (2)19of section 8 of this Act and such other related provisions of this Act as may be prescribed by
the Authority for specific purposes;b) processed in relation to information of the physical or mental health of a data subject
shall be exempted from subsection (2) of section 8 and other related provisions of thisAct of which the application of the provisions to the data subject would be likely tocause serious harm to the physical or mental health of the data subject or any otherindividual;c) processed for preparing statistics or carrying out research shall be exempted fromsections 5, 6, 7 and subsection (2) of section 8 of the Act and other related provisions of
this Act, provided that such personal data is not processed for any other purpose andthat the resulting statistics or the results of the research are not made available in a form
which identifies the data subject;d) that is necessary for the purpose of or in connection with any order or judgment of acourt shall be exempted from sections 5, 6, 7 and subsection (2) of section 8 of the Act
and other related provisions of this Act;e) processed for the purpose of discharging regulatory functions shall be exempted fromsections 5, 6, 7 and subsection (2) of section 8 of the Act and other related provisions of
this Act if the application of those provisions to the personal data would be likely toprejudice the proper discharge of those functions; orf) processed only for journalistic, literary or artistic purposes shall be exempted fromsections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and other related provisions of this Act, provided that—i.
the processing is undertaken with a view to the publication by any person of
the journalistic, literary or artistic material;ii.
the data controller subject to reasonable grounds, believes that taking into
account the special importance of public interest in freedom of expression, thepublication would be in the public interest; andiii.
the processing of personal data in the interests of the security of the State
provided that the processing of personal data shall not be permitted unless it isauthorized pursuant to an express authorization by the Federal Government
and in accordance with the procedure to be laid down by the Federal
Government in this regard.
31 POWER TO MAKE FURTHER EXEMPTIONS.31.1 The Federal Government may, upon the recommendation of the Authority, by orderpublished in the official Gazette exempt the application of any provision of this Act to any
data controller or class of data controller.
31.2 The Federal Government may impose any terms or conditions as it thinks fit in respect ofany exemption made under subsection (1).
31.3 The Federal Government may at any time, on the recommendation of the Authority, by orderpublished in the Gazette, revoke any order made under subsection (1).

20

CHAPTER VI
THE AUTHORITY
32 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY_
32.1 Within six months of coming into force of this Act, the Federal Government shall, by
notification in the official Gazette, establish an Authority to be known as the Personal Data
Protection Authority of Pakistan, to carry out the purposes of this Act.
32.2 The Authority shall be a statutory corporate body having perpetual succession and a common
seal, and may sue and be sued in its own name and, subject to and for the purposes of thisAct, may enter into contracts and may acquire, purchase, take and hold moveable andimmovable property of every description and may convey, assign, surrender, charge,
mortgage, reassign, transfer or otherwise dispose of or deal with, any moveable or
immovable property or any interest vested in it and , shall enjoy operational andadministrative autonomy, except as specifically provided for under this Act. The Authority
shall be an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Federal government
with its headquarters at Islamabad.
32.3 The Authority may setup its establishments including sub-offices at Provincial capitals andsuch other places, as it may deem necessary from time to time.
32.4 The Authority shall consist of seven members, three of whom shall be an IT expert, a legal
expert, a representative of civil society and a financial expert respectively, to be appointed
by the Federal Government for a term of four years, who shall not be eligible forreappointment.
a) One ex-officio Member shall be a representative of thei.
Ministry of IT & Telecom
ii.
Ministry of Defenceiii.
Ministry of Interiorb) One regular Member (employee of the Authority) each from following sectors/areas:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Information and Communication Technology
Financial
Legal
Civil Society

2132.5 Provided that the Federal Government may increase the number of members of the Authorityand prescribe their qualifications and mode of appointment.
32.6 The Authority shall be headed by a Chairman, who shall be nominated by the Federal
Government from amongst the Seven Members.
32.7 The Members including the Member nominated as Chairman shall hold office for a term offour years from the date on which they assume office and shall not be eligible for reappointment.
32.8 The regular Members of the Authority shall be paid salary and shall be entitled to such
remuneration as determined by the Federal Govt. A Member shall not hold any other officeof profit including any other public office or be connected with any political party or haveany conflict of interest with regards to this Act during his appointment to the Authority.
32.9 Once appointed, a Member shall work on full time basis and may not run any business or
pursue any other profession during his tenure as Member.
32.10 A Member of the Authority may resign from his office in writing addressed to the Federal
Government, or may be removed from his office by the Federal Government, if on an inquiry
conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission on directions of the Prime Ministerthat he is found unable to perform the functions of his office because of mental or physicaldisability or guilty of misconduct or suffers from mental or physical incapacity for
performance of his duties as a Member including corruption and dishonesty.
32.11 In case of death, resignation or removal of a member of the Authority, another person may
be appointed as such member for the term specified at sub-section (4).
32.12 The power of the Authority in the matters relating to its administration and the staff of the
Authority shall be exercised by the Chairman including appointments of its employees, inaccordance with regulations made by the Authority pursuant to section 38 and other relevant
regulations made by the Authority from time to time.
32.13 The decision of the Authority shall, subject to sub-section (10), be taken with theconcurrence of the majority of its members.
Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (10), no act or proceeding of the Authority
shall be invalid by reason only of the existence of a vacancy in, or a defect in the constitution of
the Authority.

33 FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY
33.1 The Authority shall be responsible to protect the interest of the data subject and enforce
protection of personal data, prevent any misuse of personal data, promote awareness of dataprotection and shall entertain complaints under this Act.
33.2 Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing and other functions set out under thisAct, the Authority shall particularly perform the following functions.a) Receiving and deciding complaints with regard to infringement of personal data22

protection including violation of any provision of this Act;b) examining various laws, rules, policies, bye-laws, regulations or instructions in relation
to protection of personal data and may suggest amendments to bring the law inconformity with the provisions of the Act;c) taking steps to create public awareness about personal data protection rights and filingof complaints against infringement of these rights under this Act;d) engaging, supporting, guiding, facilitating, training and persuading data controllers, dataprocessors to ensure protection of personal data under this Act; ande) ensuring that all of its decisions are based on established principles to structure or
minimize discretion and ensure transparency and accountability.
f) monitoring and enforcing application of the provisions of this Act.
g) taking prompt and appropriate action in response to a data security breach in accordancewith the provisions of this Act.
h) monitoring cross-border transfer of personal data under this Act.
i) monitoring technological developments and commercial practices that may affectprotection of personal data and promoting measures and undertaking research forinnovation in the field of protection of personal data.
j) advising to the Federal Government and any other statutory authority on measures thatmust be undertaken to promote protection of personal data and ensuring consistency of
application and enforcement of this Act.
33.3

To make recommendations to the Federal Government on Policies with respect to Personal
Data Protection in line with International best practices and National requirements.

33.4

To perform such other functions as the Federal Government may, from time to time, assign
to it

34 POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY:(1)
The Authority shall have and exercise all powers as shall enable it to effectively perform
its functions specified in section 33.
(2)
In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, theAuthority shall--a) decide the complaint or pass any order and for this purpose, the Authority shall bedeemed to be a Civil Court and shall have the same powers as are vested in such court
under the Code of Civil Procedure Code, 1908 [Act No. V of 1908].
b) formulate, approve and implement policies, procedures and regulations for its internal
administration, operations, human resource management, procurements, financial
management and partnerships;c) formulate compliance framework for monitoring and enforcement in order to ensuretransparency and accountability, subject to the measures including but not limited to thefollowing:i.
Privacyii. Transparency
23

iii. Security Safeguards
iv.
Personal Data Breachv.
Data Protection Impact Assessment
vi.
Record Maintenancevii.
Data Audits
viii. Responsibilities of Data Protection Officer
ix. Processing by entities other than Data Controller
x. Classification of Data Controller
xi. Grievance Redressal mechanismd) Identify big / large data controllers / processors, alongwith other categories, and define
special measures for compliance in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
e) Devise registration mechanism for Data Controllers and Data Processors.
f) Formulate a Licensing Framework for Data Controllers and Data Processors on Personal
Data Protection in Pakistang) Take prompt and appropriate action in response to a data security breach in accordancewith the provisions of the Act.
h) Powers of search and seizure while handling/ dealing with the compliant;i) prescribe schedule of costs and the mode of payment for filing of complaint and its
format;j) seek information from data controllers in respect of data processing under this Act andimpose penalties for non-observance of data security practices and non-compliance ofthe provisions of this Act;k) order a data controller to take such reasonable measures as it may deem necessary to
remedy an applicant for any failure to implement the provisions of this Act;l) summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses and compelling them to give oral andwritten evidence under oath

35 DELEGATION OF POWERS
The Authority may, by general or special order, delegate any of its powers, functions or duties as
it may deem fit, from time to time, to the Chairman, member or any of its officers subject to suchconditions as it may deem fit to impose.

36 POWER OF THE AUTHORITY TO CALL FOR INFORMATION(1)

Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Act, the Authority may require a data
controller or the data processor to provide such information as may be reasonably requiredby it for effective discharging of its functions under this Act.

(2)

Whenever the Authority require any information from the data controller or data processor,
the concern officer of the Authority it shall provide a written notice to the data controller
or the data processor stating reason for such requisition in a specified manner and form inwhich such information may be provided.

24

37 MEETINGS OF THE AUTHORITY
37.1 A meeting of the Authority shall be convened and chaired by the Chairman/Chief Data
Protection Member.
37.2 In case the position of Chairman/Chief Data Member is vacant or if he is not available due
to any cause, the Federal Government may direct any other Member to serve as acting Chief
Data Protection Member who may also convene and chair a meeting of the Authority.
37.3 Three Members shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of the Authority.

38 POWERS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE POLICY DIRECTIVES.
38.1 The Federal Government may, as and when it considers necessary, issue policy directives to
the Authority, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act, on the matters relating to
Personal Data Protection and all connected and ancillary matters therewith and the Authority
shall comply with such directives.

39 APPOINTMENT OF EMPLOYEES.
39.1 For performance of its functions, the Authority may, from time to time, employee such
persons and on such terms and conditions as deem necessary.
39.2 Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing powers, the Authority may--(a)

(b)

(c)

appoint and remove its employees, officers and exercise discipline and control overthem and any remuneration, salary or allowances and any such terms and conditionsof service of such officers, employee, consultant and experts shall be such as may
be prescribed.
regulate and manage its internal organization, set up divisions within the Authority andmake appropriate appointments to those divisions; andappoint advisory bodies, consultants and advisors on contract to advise the Authority inrelation to its functions or powers.

38.
Members and employees.--- The members and employees of the Authority shall be public
servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860).
39.
Maintenance of accounts and audit.--- (1). The accounts of the Authority shall bemaintained in such form and in such manner as the Federal Government may determine in suchmanner as the Federal Government may determine in consultation with the Auditor –General of
Pakistan.
(2)

The accounts of the Authority shall be audited at the close of each financial year by the25

Auditor-General of Pakistan.
(3)
The Authority shall produce such accounts, books and documents and furnish such
explanations and information as the Auditor-General or any other officer authorized by him in thisbehalf may require for the purpose of audit.
(4)
Copies of the Auditor-General’s report on the accounts shall be provided to the Authority
and the Federal Government and shall also be available for public inspection on the web site of
the Authority.
(5)
The Authority may, in addition to the audit under sub-section (1), cause its accounts auditedby any other external auditors.
40.
Liability of the Federal Government to be limited.--- The liability of the Federal
Government under this Act to the creditors of the Authority shall be limited to the extent of any
grant made by it and the loans raised by the Authority with the approval of the Federal
Government.
41.
Submission of yearly reports, returns, etc.--- (1). As soon as possible after the end of every
financial year but before the last date of September next following, the Authority shall submit areport to the Federal Government on the conduct of its affairs, including action taken for the
Personal Data Protection and protection of interest of the data subjects, for that year.
(2)
A copy of the report specified in sub-section (1) together with a copy of the audit reportshall be placed before the National Assembly within three months after the finalization of the audit
report by the Auditor-General.
(3)
For the purpose of carrying on its functions under this Act, the Federal Government may
require the Authority to supply any return, statement, estimate, statistics or other information in
respect of any matter under the control of the Authority or a copy of any document in the custodyof the Authority.
40 FUNDS:
40.1 There shall be a fund to be known as the “Personal Data Protection Fund” which shall vestin the Authority and shall be utilized by the Authority to meet all its expenses and charges
in connection with its functions under this Act, including the payments of salaries and other
remuneration to its employees.
40.2 The bank account of the Personal Data Protection Fund shall be maintained with the National
Bank of Pakistan or with any other scheduled bank as the Authority may decide from time
to time.
40.3 The Personal Data Protection Fund shall be financed from the following sources, namely:(a) Loans and grants from the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments,
including an initial grant of ……..million rupees by the Federal Government;
26

(b) Foreign aid, grants and loans negotiated and raised, or otherwise obtained by the
Authority with the approval of the Federal Government.
(c) Fees / Licensing Fee and other amounts received by the authority from time to time.
(d) Income from the sale of moveable or immoveable property;(e) Income from investments; and(f) All other sums received or earned by the authority.
39.
Co-operation with International organizations.—The Authority may, subject tothe prior approval of the Federal Government, co-operate with any foreign authority orinternational organization in the field of data protection / data security / data theft / unlawfully
data transfer on the terms and conditions of any program or agreement for co-operation to whichsuch authority or organization is a party, or pursuant to any other international agreement madeor after the commencement of this Act.

CHAPTER VII
COMPLAINT AND OFFENCES
41 UNLAWFUL PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA

41.1 Anyone who processes or cause to be processed, disseminates or discloses personal data inviolation of any of the provisions of this Act shall be punished with fine up to fifteen million
rupees and in case of a subsequent unlawful processing of personal data, the fine may beraised up to twenty five million,
41.2 In case the offence committed under sub-section (1) relates to sensitive data the offender
may be punished with fine up to twenty five million rupees.

42 FAILURE TO ADOPT APPROPRIATE DATA SECURITY MEASURES
Anyone who fails to adopt the security measures that are necessary to ensure data security, when
he is required to do so, in violation of the provisions laid down in this Act and the rules madethereunder shall be punished with fine up to five million rupees.

43 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS
Anyone who fails to comply with the orders of the Authority or the court when he is required to
do so, shall be punished with fine up to two point five million rupees.

27

44 CORPORATE LIABILITY
A legal person shall be held liable for a non-compliance committed on his instructions or for his
benefit or lack of required supervision by any individual, acting either individually or as part ofa group of persons, who has a leading position within it, based on a power of representation of
the person; an authority to take decisions on behalf of the person; or an authority to exercise
control within it. The legal person shall be punished with fine not exceeding 1% of its annual
gross revenue in Pakistan or thirty million rupees, whichever is higher.
Provided that such punishment shall not absolve the liability of the individual, who has committed
the offence.

45 COMPLAINT
45.1 Any individual or relevant person may file a complaint before the Authority against any
violation of personal data protection rights as granted under this Act, conduct of any data
controller, data processor or their processes which a complainant regards as involving:a) a breach of data subject’s consent to process data;b) a breach of obligations of the data controller or the data processor in performance of
their functions under this Act;c) provision of incomplete, misleading or false information while taking consent of thedata subject; ord) any other matter relating to protection of personal data.
45.2 The complainant may file a complaint on a plain paper or on a simplified sample format
prescribed by the Authority and the complainant shall certify that he had not already or
concurrently filed any application, complaint or suit before any other forum or court.
45.3 The Authority shall charge reasonable fee for filing or processing of the complaint, asprescribed under this Act and shall also facilitate on-line receipt of complaints.
45.4 The Authority shall acknowledge the receipt of complaint within three working days andshall dispose of the complaint under intimation to the complainant within thirty days of its
receipt, or, for reasons to be recorded in writing, within such extended time as reasonably
determined by the Authority.
45.5 After receipt of the complaint, the Authority maya) seek explanation from the data controller or data processor, after initial evaluation,
against whom the complaint has been made by affording him reasonable time andopportunity to be heard through an efficient mode of communication; andb) contact, if deemed necessary, the complainant to seek further information or hiscomments on the response of the data controller or the data processor or any otherconcerned agency.

28

45.6 The Authority shall efficiently dispose of a complaint and it may issue directions to stopbreach of data protection rights of a data subject without first seeking comments from theconcerned data processor and data controller, as the case may be. The Authority may employ
electronic means of communication to dispose of complaints and shall maintain appropriate
record of such communications. The Authority shall, as soon as possible establish an online
facility to receive, process, manage and dispose of complaints in an efficient and costeffective manner.
45.7 In case of failure of the data collector or data processor, as the case may be, to respond to
the Authority or to execute its orders, the Authority may initiate enforcement proceedings
as per rules prescribed under this Act.

46 APPEAL(1)
Appeals against the decisions of the Authority shall be referred to the High Court
or to any other Tribunal established by the Federal Government for the purpose in themanner prescribed by the High Court for filing the first appeal before that Court or the
Tribunal and the Court or the Tribunal shall decide such appeal within ninety days.
(2)

A person aggrieved by any decision or order of any officer of the Authority acting
under the delegated powers of the Authority may, within thirty days of the receipt of thedecision or order, appeal to the Authority in prescribed manner and the Authority shalldecide such appeal within thirty days.

CHAPTER VIIIMISCELLANEOUS
47 TEMPORARY PROVISIONS.—
All data controllers and data processors shall adopt necessary security measures within [sixmonths] from the day on which this Act comes into force.
47.
POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS.--- The Authority shall issue regulations forexercising its powers and performance of its functions, for its internal working, appointment,
promotion, termination and terms and condition of its employees not inconsistent with theprovisions of the Act or the rules, for carrying out of its functions under this Act.

29

48 POWER TO MAKE RULES.—
48.1 The Authority may with the approval of the Federal Government, by notification in theofficial Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act.
48.2 Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, these rules may empower the Federal
Government to:a) prepare and encourage the drawing up of suitable codes of conduct and ethics by dataprocessors and data controllers;b) verify the compliance of such codes with applicable laws;c) seek views of data controller and data processors in any manner related to electronicdata;d) contribute to the publicity and enforcement of such codes;e) interact and cooperate with international and regional bodies performing similarfunctions; andf) set up or accredit bodies to audit the security measures of the data controllers and dataprocessors.
48.3 All public and regulatory authorities especially in the banking, insurance,
telecommunication, legal and health sector shall assist the Authority in exercise andperformance of its powers and functions under this Act.

49 RELATIONSHIP OF THE ACT WITH OTHER LAWS.The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the contrary containedin any other law on the subject for the time being in force.
50 REMOVAL OF DIFFICULTIES
If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Federal Government may,within two years of the commencement of this Act and by order published in the official Gazette,
make such provisions non inconsistent with the provisions of the Act as may appear to be necessary
for removing the difficulty.

51 WINDING UP OF THE AUTHORITY
No provision of any law relating to winding up of bodies corporate shall apply to the Authority.
The Authority shall only be wound up by the law to be enacted by the Parliament for winding upof the Authority.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTSThe Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees privacy of home alongside
dignity of every man and woman as their fundamental right under its Article 14. Digitization of30

businesses and various public services employing modern computing technologies involves
processing of personal data. The growth of technological advancements have not only made iteasier to collect personal data but also enabled processing of personal data in so many ways thatwere not possible in the past. In today’s digital age, personal data has become an extremely
valuable commodity and for many businesses the sole source of their income is the personal dataof users they generate. The personal data is often being collected, processed and even sold without
knowledge a person. In some cases, such personal information is used for relatively lesstroublesome commercial purposes e.g. targeted advertising etc. However, the data so captured or
generated can be misused in many ways e.g. blackmail, behavior modification, phishing scams
etc.
In order to realize the goal of full scale adoption of e-government and delivery of services to thepeople on their doorsteps, and increase users’ confidence in the confidentiality and integrity of
government databases, it is essential that the users’ data is fully protected from any unauthorizedaccess or usage and remedies are provided to them against any misuse of their personal data.
Additionally, accelerated increase in the use of broadband with the advent of 3G/4G in Pakistan
led to an increasingly enhanced reliance on technology calling for protection of people’s data
against any misuse, thus maintaining their confidence in the use of new technologies without any
fear.
Whereas sectoral arrangements/frameworks exist in Pakistan that provide for data protection andPrevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (Act No.XL of 2016) deals with the crimes relating tounauthorized access to data, there is a need for putting in place a comprehensive legal framework
in line with our Constitution and international best practices for personal data protection.
Protecting personal data is also necessary to provide legal certainty to the businesses and public
functionaries with regard to processing of personal data in their activities. The desired legal
framework would clearly spell out the responsibilities of the data collectors and processors aswell as rights and privileges of the data subjects along with institutional provisions for regulationof activities relating to the collections, storing, processing and usage of personal data.

31