Controversial changes to PECA law also sailed through Senate

Journalists' leader says they are observing a black day against the law and will challenge it in court.

ISLAMABAD: After the National Assembly, the Senate also passed controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act in Tuesday.

During the passage of the Act, the opposition opposed the bill and protested in the house while journalists walked out.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and PTI leader Shibli Faraz said, “We are not supporting this bill, the minister’s words are true that no one supports spreading false news, no partner is involved in it. The procedure of the bill is not right.”

There are no lawyers, no judges, no courts. The Joint Action Committee of Journalist Organizations has rejected the bill to amend the PCA Act.

JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza said, “There were my amendments to the PCA Act which were neither approved nor rejected by the committee concerned.”

After the passage of the bill, PFUJ President Afzal Butt said, “Today the journalist community is observing a black day across the country. We will also challenge this bill in court on which discussions are going on with lawyers.

According to the amendment bill, an authority will be formed which will consist of nine members including the Home Secretary, Chairman PTA, Chairman PEMRA, as ex-officio members of the authority.

A bachelor’s degree holder and at least 15 years of experience in the field can be appointed as the chairman of the authority and the chairman and five members will be appointed for five years.

It should be noted that the Senate Standing Committee on Interior approved the  amendment bill yesterday. 

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