Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has announced that the party will not participate in talks with the government scheduled for tomorrow, stating that the decision has been officially conveyed.
Speaking to reporters alongside Asad Qaiser and other media representatives, Barrister Gohar criticized the government for rushing the legislation since coming to power. He argued that under the proposed bill (PECA Act), anyone could be arbitrarily accused of spreading fake news.
“We stand by the legitimate rights of the media. Media is the fourth pillar of the state. It helps us identify problems and now efforts are being made to suppress its voice,” he said.
Barrister Gohar further said that even if the law is passed, it will be challenged in court and expressed hope that the judiciary will address it. Regarding Kurram, he highlighted that all political parties have united on one platform.
The PTI chairman added, “We had given a deadline of seven days regarding the talks. We are not participating in tomorrow’s meeting with the government and have informed the secretary and the speaker about our decision.”
Speaking on the occasion, Asad Qaiser said the government’s legislative efforts essentially amount to civilian martial law. He condemned the proposed amendments to the PECA Act and announced PTI’s participation in a nationwide movement against it.
“We will engage with all parties, including the media, to raise our voice for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Home Affairs has approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA), despite strong objections from journalists’ organizations and media bodies.
According to Express News, the meeting, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, saw the committee pass the PECA amendment.
During the session, journalists’ organizations expressed their opposition to the bill, criticized the lack of clarity in its provisions and expressed concern about its potential impact.
The committee chairman questioned why journalists’ organizations did not submit their written recommendations, stating that they should have formally submitted their proposals to the committee.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently serving a prison sentence, on Sunday reiterated his call for overseas Pakistanis to boycott sending remittances, escalating political tensions as his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party faces off against the government.
“Again, I urge overseas Pakistanis to continue their boycott of foreign currency transfers,” Khan said in a post on X. “Sending money to this government strengthens the very hands that are tightening the noose around your neck.”
The appeal comes as talks between the government and the PTI, which began last month, broke down this week. The deadlock followed PTI’s refusal to participate without judicial commissions to investigate protests on 9 May 2023 and 26 November 2024.
