Awam Pakistan Convener and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi have strongly reacted to the new PECA Amendment Bill passed by the government in the National Assembly, calling it a “governing law”. In his statement, he called the bill an attempt to suppress freedom of expression, journalism, and civil rights. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said, “This bill is designed to prevent journalists and social media users from speaking the truth. Through this law, the government wants to eliminate criticism and silence dissenting voices.
This is not only an attack on freedom of the press but also the fundamental rights of the people.” He warned that the new law had given the government “a dangerous weapon”, which provides the government with the power to stop any truthful news or public opinion based on mere dislike.
Convener Awam Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi pointed out that under this law, the government will appoint heads and members of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, Social Media Complaint Cell, Social Media Protection Tribunal, and National Cybercrime Investigation Agency at its discretion, which will eliminate the independence of these institutions.
He said that “this law empowers the government to close any social media platform or block content, even if the content is true. The purpose is clear: to silence the people and cover up government incompetence.” Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, while appreciating the strong opposition to this law by the journalist organization Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), said that these amendments are against the spirit of the constitution and are not acceptable in a democratic country. “This bill is a deliberate attempt to suppress the journalist community and bury the truth.
The concerns of the journalist community are right that this law is being made to suppress dissent.” Shahid Khaqan Abbasi agreed with the statement of senior journalist Najam Sethi. “This law will give a dangerous weapon in the hands of the government, which will prevent journalists, social media users, and ordinary citizens from freely expressing their opinions.” He said that “freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy.” A free and independent media is the foundation of any democratic state.
The government cannot be allowed to suppress the public and journalists through such laws. He said that “the people of Pakistan will raise their voice at all levels in favor of journalists and freedom of expression.” Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also highlighted the concerns of the public and the journalistic community, saying that this law will give the government such power that is contrary to democratic principles and will allow them to target those who have dissenting opinions. “This law will not only strike a blow against the rights of the media but also the rights of the general public, and such laws are unacceptable in any democratic state.”
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi demanded that the government immediately withdraw this amendment bill and enact appropriate legislation after consulting all stakeholders, including journalistic organizations so that a balanced and transparent law can be made instead of suppressing dissent.
