—PML-N submits resolution in Punjab Assembly
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: People’s Party on Monday has decided to challenge recently promulgated Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment (PECA) Ordinance 2022, in the court.
Opposition leader in the Senate, Yousaf Raza Gillani has said that the PECA ordinance will be challenged in the court of law.
“All political parties and the media have rejected the presidential ordinance,” he said. “PECA law exposes the government’s fear,” PPP stalwart said. “It wants to curb the media,” he said.
“Bringing the ordinance demonstrate that they don’t believe in the parliament,” he said.
“Chairman Senate don’t follow the rules of the house. He cast his vote twice,” Gillani said.
“Our government had removed draconian laws. Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment (PECA) law has been promulgated to harass the opponents, media and the civil society,” the former prime minister said. “We will challenge this law in the court,” he said.
Talking on People’s Party’s long march Gillani said that it will begin from Karachi on Feb 27 led by Bilawal Bhutto and will reach Rawalpindi on March 08.
He said former president Asif Ali Zardari will hold a meeting with JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman today, while on March 24 he will meet with JI chief Sirajul Haq at Mansoora.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday submitted a resolution in the Punjab Assembly against the promulgation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and Election Act, 2017 amendment ordinances.
Resolution submitted by PML-N’s Hina Pervez Butt said the house rejects the PECA and Election Act, 2017 amendment ordinances.
Bearing criticism is a part of the job of government officials and elected representatives. The government rather than improving and amending already present laws is introducing new laws.
President Arif Alvi on Sunday ratified Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Election Act, 2017 amendment ordinances.
According to the Amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act Ordinance, stricter penalties will be imposed for spreading fake news and hate speech content on electronic and social media platforms.
The amended act will also pave way for action over hate speech and fake news against the national institutions including the armed forces and national figures.
Under the amended law, the violators will be issued non-bailable arrest warrants and up to Rs1 million fine.
Speaking about the PECA Ordinance, Faroogh Naseem had said the trial of the suspect nabbed under PECA will be completed in six months and the guilty will be handed over a punishment of five years.
