The Senate has approved the ‘controversial’ PECA Amendment Bill after its earlier passage from the National Assembly, sparking widespread criticism from journalists’ associations and opposition members.
The bill, criticized for its vague definitions of “fake news” and potential misuse, has raised concerns over press freedom and freedom of expression in Pakistan.
Opposition voices concerns
Journalists strongly opposed the PECA Amendment Bill, staging protests and walking out of the Senate proceedings. Opposition Leader in the Senate and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shibli Faraz said, “We do not support this bill. While no one endorses spreading false news, the bill’s methodology is flawed.” He pointed out the lack of proper mechanisms, including the absence of dedicated institutions, judges, or lawyers, to manage cases under the new law.
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Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza also criticized the legislative process, claiming his proposed amendments were ignored. He described the Senate Standing Committee’s report on the bill as incomplete, questioning the transparency of the proceedings.
Journalists observe “Black Day” The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the bill, with PFUJ President Afzal Butt announcing that the journalist community observed a “Black Day” nationwide in protest. Speaking to media, Butt vowed to challenge the PECA Amendment Bill in court and continue consultations with legal experts to safeguard press freedom. He emphasized the need for the government to involve journalists in consultations before implementing such laws.
Key features of the bill
The PECA Amendment Bill aims to establish a nine-member regulatory authority comprising officials from the Ministry of Interior, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). It also includes a journalist with ten years of experience, a software engineer, and an IT expert from the private sector. The chairman of the authority, appointed for a five-year term, must have at least a bachelor’s degree and 15 years of relevant field experience. Despite government assurances that the bill will protect the public from fake news, critics argue that its vague definitions of “fake news” could be exploited to silence dissenting voices.
PTI senator warns against misuse
PTI Senator Ali Zafar voiced strong opposition to the bill, warning of its potential to stifle free expression and harm democracy. Speaking at a press conference outside Parliament House alongside lawmakers Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Hamid Khan, Zafar stated, “The amendment violates the Constitution and could be used to imprison journalists for questioning authorities.” He called for the formation of a joint committee to review the bill and urged the government to act on its recommendations.
The PECA Amendment Bill continues to face resistance from journalists, opposition leaders, and civil society groups who see it as a threat to constitutional rights. With ongoing protests and plans for legal challenges, the bill’s approval has sparked a heated debate about its impact on press freedom, social media regulation, and democracy in Pakistan.
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