Latest news with #PECAAmendmentBill
Express Tribune
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
LHC rejects plea to suspend implementation of PECA amendments
Listen to article The Lahore High Court has rejected a plea seeking an immediate suspension of the implementation of various sections of the PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) Amendment. The court stated that a decision would be made after hearing the arguments of all parties involved and issued notices to the concerned parties, requesting their responses within three weeks, according to Express News. During the hearing, Justice Farooq Haider remarked that the court would await the positions of the parties before making a final decision. The petition, filed by a journalist, was presented by Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, who argued that the amendments to the PECA Act were unconstitutional and would severely affect the freedom of expression in the country. The petitioners argued that the recent amendments to the PECA Act, which were fast-tracked through the National Assembly after bypassing the usual parliamentary procedures, included provisions that would impose severe penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines for spreading fake information. The petitioners expressed concerns that the PECA Act, which had previously been used as a tool for silencing dissent, would further curtail the remaining freedoms in the country. The petition also stated that the PECA Amendment Bill had been introduced without consulting relevant stakeholders and journalistic organizations, violating the democratic process. The petitioners argued that the amendments were in conflict with the fundamental right to freedom of speech guaranteed by Pakistan's constitution, rendering the law unconstitutional. The court was asked to declare the PECA Amendment Act as unconstitutional and strike it down. It was also requested that any actions taken under the amended law be put on hold until the final ruling was issued. This case will be closely followed, as the outcome could have significant implications for media freedom and the protection of free speech in Pakistan.
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Balochistan journalists protest against PECA
QUETTA: The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) and the Quetta Press Club jointly organized a protest on Tuesday against the Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, commonly known as the PECA Amendment Bill. Journalists, along with members of civil society, gathered outside the Quetta Press Club, chanting slogans against the federal coalition government and condemning the bill. They called it a direct threat to freedom of expression and democratic principles. Quetta Press Club President Khaliq Rind criticized the government for passing the legislation, describing it as an assault on press freedom. "This law undermines democracy and suppresses the media. The journalist community is committed to resisting its enforcement with full strength," he said. Senior journalist Saleem Shahid also opposed the bill, arguing that it infringes on the fundamental right to free speech. "I appeal to all political parties to unite against this undemocratic move by the federal government," he urged. Participants pledged to continue opposing the controversial law, which they believe jeopardizes democracy, media independence, and freedom of expression.
