Latest news with #PakistanElectronicCrimesAct
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Lawyers demand release of Imran Khan
A lawyers' convention held in Lahore on Saturday demanded the immediate release of former prime minister Imran Khan and political workers as it urged that all national issues be resolved through dialogue, while calling for avoiding the use of force. A declaration issued after the convention organized by the Lahore High Court Bar and the Lahore Bar's All Pakistan Lawyers Convention also demanded that all political workers "who have been subjected to enforced disappearances outside the constitutional and legal framework" be immediately released. The convention also strongly condemned the recent amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), stating that these changes violate fundamental rights — freedom of expression and press. "The lawyers also express solidarity with journalists and media workers across Pakistan who are struggling for freedom of speech," the declaration added. The convention also defended Pakistan's rightful claim to water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which India unilaterally suspended after a militant attack in held Kashmir on April 22. "The declaration strongly condemns India's attack on Pakistan's sovereignty. The prompt response of the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially the Pakistan Air Force, is highly appreciated," it added. Addressing the convention, senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja earlier said lawyers carry the great responsibility to tell the people that their vote was stolen in the February 2024 elections. "A system built on lies has been imposed on us. The 26th Constitutional Amendment is part of that falsehood. After rigging the elections, there was an attempt to control our courts," he said. Raja, who belongs to Imran Khan's PTI, said those who rigged the elections cannot tolerate democracy in this country. He said for 78 years, democracy has repeatedly been attacked.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt initiates talks on canals controversy
The government initiated face-to-face talks with stakeholders in Sindh regarding the Indus canals issue. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) delegation visited protesting lawyers in Babarloi, Khairpur district. According to Express News, Shah met with Shehbaz at the Prime Minister'd House, where he expressed concerns about the proposed construction of six new canals on the Indus river. Sources said both sides shared their respective positions on the matter. Earlier in the day, PML-N Sindh President Bashir Memon visited the protesting lawyers who had blocked the National Highway in Babarloi, Khairpur, and held talks with Karachi Bar Association (KBA) President Aamir Nawaz Warraich and other lawyer leaders in an effort to end the sit-in. The latest development is seen as a follow-up to the contacts initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Adviser on Political Affairs with various political parties to address the widespread protests across Sindh. Memon and Rana Sana had reached out to Sindh Bar Council President Barrister Sarfaraz Metlo by phone, offering to initiate dialogue. Rana Sanaullah also spoke with Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon and various nationalist party leaders. The negotiations between the protesting lawyers and the PML-N delegation concluded in Sukkur, according to sources. The lawyers presented four demands to the federal government representatives, with the cancellation of the canal project being the top priority. Other demands included concerns over corporate farming, the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), and the 26th constitutional amendment. The PML-N delegation invited the lawyers to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The lawyer accepted the offer and a 14-member delegation would meet Shehbaz, it was agreed. "Our key demand is the issuance of a notification of scrapping the canal project. Our sit-in will continue until that happens. It would be ideal if the prime minister comes to Sukkur for the talks," Warraich said. Memon stated that they had received the lawyers' four-point list, which would be presented to the prime minister. "The next meeting will be held directly between the lawyers and the prime minister, where all matters will be resolved," he said, expressing hope for a positive outcome. Meanwhile, PML-Functional leader, Sardar Abdul Rahim, told reporters in Ranipur that Memon visited the protest site with a message from his party leadership. "The legal fraternity responded clearly: cancel the canal project, issue the notification, and then we will talk," he said.
Express Tribune
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal credits PPP for softening Peca law
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the original draft of the recent amendments to Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) was very strict, but his party suggested many changes to dilute it, Express News reports. In an interview after addressing the Oxford Union, the PPP chairman stated that the PPP has always been against the original draft of Peca law, adding that former prime minister Imran Khan was the first to try such a harsh legislation. The government strengthened Peca with new amendments to tackle fake news and unlawful online content. The proposed Electronic Crimes Prevention (Amendment) Act 2025 introduced severe penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs2 million for spreading disinformation. Bilawal stated that the Peca law was not an ideal law, but it was significantly better than the initial version that was proposed. He added that the law had been improved after consultations. He said that the original draft included even harsher penalties, such as a 30-year sentence. "The original draft of Peca was very harsh. Many amendments were made to the act only because of the hard work and efforts of the PPP," he said. He acknowledged that "Pakistan faces various challenges, as democracy is not strong in Pakistan," he added. He reiterated that the PPP played a role in improving the Peca law and ensuring that it did not undermine democracy. He also defended the 26th Constitutional Amendment, noting that while it had been modified from its original form, it still played a crucial role in strengthening democracy.
Express Tribune
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari defends PECA law, calls 26th amendment a compromise
Listen to article Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law is not an ideal law, but it is significantly better than the initial version that was proposed. Speaking at Oxford University, he explained that the law had been improved after consultations, mentioning that the original draft included harsh penalties, such as a 30-year sentence for a single social media post. Bilawal reiterated that the PPP had played a role in improving the PECA law, ensuring that it did not undermine democracy. He also defended the 26th Constitutional Amendment, noting that while it had been modified from its original form, it still played a crucial role in strengthening democracy. He explained that the changes to the amendment were made after consulting with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI). Addressing concerns over freedom of speech, Bilawal emphasised that Pakistan's democracy remains fragile and called for abandoning the desire to control every tweet, post, and headline. He stressed that the media, including social media, cannot be controlled and should remain free from undue influence. A month ago, President Asif Ali Zardari gave his assent to the controversial amendments to the country's cybercrime laws, despite calls from journalists and media organisations to put the brakes on the bill. The move came a day after the Senate pushed through the PECA 2016 amendments sparking nationwide protests from media workers who claimed the law was a gag order in disguise. A press release issued by the Presidency confirmed that Zardari signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, along with the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill and the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill. Earlier, a consultative meeting held under the auspices of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday demanded annulment of the recent amendments made to the country's cybercrime law PECA, 2016. The meeting titled "Media Under Threat: Challenges Faced by Media Personnel Post-PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025" was organized at the SCBA head office. What is PECA? The Pakistani government is strengthening the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) with new amendments to tackle fake news and unlawful online content. The proposed Electronic Crimes Prevention (Amendment) Act 2025 introduces severe penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs2 million for spreading disinformation. A key provision is the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) tasked with regulating social media platforms and removing unlawful content. The DRPA will have powers to investigate complaints, remove content, and enforce digital ethics. The amendments also redefine social media platforms and mandate compliance from social media companies, which may require registering and appointing local representatives. While supporters believe the amendments are essential to combat fake news and hate speech, critics warn of potential censorship and misuse. Chaired by the SCBA President Rauf Atta, the session was attended by members of the bar as well as senior journalists and media personne
Express Tribune
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Opposition vows to defend people's rights
The top leadership of opposition parties reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution, vowing to strengthen alliances with like-minded political forces. Speaking at the "Meet the Press" program at Karachi Press Club (KPC), Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Achakzai, along with key opposition figures, stressed that Pakistan's ongoing crises could only be resolved by ensuring constitutional governance. The event was also attended by senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, Sajid Tareen, Akhundzada Hussain, and Latif Khosa, as well as Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza. Achakzai criticized past leadership, stating, "Pakistan is a developing country, but it has suffered under poor governance. We have now come together on one platform to ensure constitutional supremacy." He added that in today's Pakistan, "those who sell their conscience are deemed loyal, while truth-speakers are labeled as traitors." He asserted that the whole country knew PTI had won the February 2024 elections. Salman Akram Raja echoed similar sentiments, saying that confusion and uncertainty prevailed across the country. "The people of Pakistan want democracy and their rights to be respected. There is no future for Pakistan without democracy," he said. Raja also defended PTI founder Imran Khan's recent letters, emphasizing that Khan was not seeking personal relief but rather advocating for adherence to the Constitution. Khosa condemned the crackdown on PTI protesters in Islamabad on November 26, 2024, holding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and the Punjab police chief accountable. He also rejected recent amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), revealing that Chief Justice Yahya Afridi had assured opposition leaders that Imran Khan's letter had been referred to the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench. SIC chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza criticized the government's lack of transparency, stating that CCTV footage from November 26 had not been released, contradicting official claims about the crackdown. Meanwhile, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser attributed the problems in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to flawed foreign policies. Later, PTI leaders visited Mazar-e-Quaid, offering Fateha and laying flowers at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Speaking to the media, Raja reaffirmed that PTI's politics followed the principles of the Quaid, stating, "Karachi voted for PTI in the last elections, but our mandate was stolen. We stand with the people and will be their voice in Sindh." Highlighting Sindh's water shortages and deteriorating law and order situation, Raja assured that PTI would stand shoulder to shoulder with the public. "In politics, power comes from the people, not institutions," he asserted. Responding to a question, Raja confirmed that opposition leaders had met with the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), establishing a working relationship. He accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of oppressing the people of Sindh. Asad Qaiser announced that PTI would launch a public awareness campaign to prevent future election rigging. "We demand the immediate release of all our leaders and workers, including Imran Khan," he stated. PTI leaders Advocate Sardar Latif Khosa and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh also addressed the gathering. Other PTI provincial leaders, including Dr. Masroor Sial, Raja Azhar, Fahim Khan, Shabbir Qureshi, Sajjad Soomro, and Chaudhry Awais, were also present.
