The Senate’s Standing Committee for Interior has approved changes to the Law on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) despite strong objections from journalism organizations and media bodies.
According to Express newsThe meeting, led by Senator Faisal Saleem, so that the committee adopts the PECA amendment proposal.
During the session, journalism organizations expressed their opposition to the bill and criticized the lack of clarity in its provisions and expressed concern about its potential influence.
The chairman of the committee questioned why journalism organizations did not submit their written recommendations where they stated that they should have formally submitted their proposals to the committee.
During the meeting, Senator Irfan noted Siddiqui: “In this country there is no need for a law to put anyone in handcuffs. I was arrested according to the tenancy myself. “Senator Kamran Murtaza also opposed the bill during the session. Despite this, the committee progressed and approved the amendment.
The domestic secretary defended the bill and said it is aiming to protect the public. He added that the Bill, as adopted by the National Assembly, would only be approved in its existing form.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui pointed out that agreements on certain changes had been obtained during the meetings between the Minister of Information and Journalists. He questioned whether the Ministry of the Interior was to include further amendments to the Bill adopted by the National Assembly.
Anchorperson’s Association raised objections during the session and said they did not have enough time to give their suggestions.
Journalist organizations criticized the bill and highlighted its vague definition of “fake news”. They argued that the bill could create more problems rather than solving existing ones.
Journalism organizations maintained that although they support legislation against fake news, the current form of the bill is unacceptable.
They also said that they, as victims of fake news themselves, understand the need for regulation, but called for a more accurate and balanced legislation.
The session participated in Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Umar Farooq, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Palwasha Khan and Senator Mir Dostain Hasan Domki.
