Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have strongly criticized the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, arguing that it undermines constitutional rights and sets a dangerous precedent for surveillance and control.
Speaking to the media, opposition leader Omar Ayub warned that the bill could target those who advocate constitutional supremacy.
Highlighting the PTI’s protests against the bill in Parliament, Ayub claimed that the government has failed to address the main concerns of the opposition.
The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill contains provisions that give authorities extensive access to citizens’ data.
Ayub alleged that the government is using the bill to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms under the guise of regulation.
“This is an attack on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.
Barrister Gohar, another PTI leader, condemned the rushed legislative process, pointing out that several laws were passed in less than 10 minutes in just 88 parliamentary sessions in the past year. “This is the shortest legislative time frame in history,” he claimed.
PTI leaders also expressed concern over alleged legal pressure and ill-treatment of detained party workers.
“The government promised to arrange a meeting with PTI’s founder but has yet to fulfill its promise,” Ayub said.
He also reiterated the party’s demand for the formation of an impartial commission to oversee critical issues.
Aamir Dogar noted that 700 protesters were recently transferred in inhumane conditions, with 500 prisoners packed into vans designed for far fewer.
He demanded compliance with jail protocols for over 3,000 PTI supporters currently in custody.
Former minister Ali Muhammad Khan accused the judiciary of handing down politically motivated sentences.
Referring to the sentencing of former prime minister Imran Khan, he said: “Judges who avoid petty theft pass sentences on national leaders.”
The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, along with allegations of judicial bias and poor governance, has intensified public discontent.
PTI leaders warned of worsening political tensions unless transparency and constitutional guarantees are prioritized.
