On Tuesday, the Senate of Pakistan approved the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill, which has been criticized by journalists nationwide.
As reported earlier, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) is holding a nationwide protest against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act Amendment Bill. Protests and rallies are underway, advocating for the reestablishment of media rights.
The Joint Action Committee of journalists’ organizations is supporting the nationwide demonstrations, aimed at opposing what they are labeling as a “draconian law,” suppressing free speech and press freedom. The JAC has pledged a strong public and legal fight against the so-called controversial bill.
Protest over approval
When the PECA Amendment Bill was presented in the Senate, journalists walked out of the press gallery. The bill was approved by a majority vote. Opposition leaders, including Shibli Faraz, have condemned the bill, calling it controversial.
According to Shibli Faraz, the protests by journalists suggest there is something concerning in the bill. He emphasized that protesting is a right of journalists, but his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, stands against PECA as a matter of policy.
PECA authority structure unveiled
An authority, established under PECA, will consist of nine members, including ex-officio members such as the Secretary of Interior, the Chairman of the PTA, and the Chairman of PEMRA. A chairman with at least a bachelor’s degree and 15 years of experience in the relevant field will be appointed for a five-year term, along with five other members.
The government has decided to include journalists in the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority. Among the five members, there will be a journalist with at least 10 years of experience, a software engineer, a lawyer, a social media professional, and an IT expert from the private sector.
