Tech Desk 
Jan 27, 2025
Following its hasty approval by the National Assembly (NA) last week, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendments Bill 2025 on Monday was condemned by Pakistan's media body representing renowned media organisations.
Joint Action Committee (JAC), the media body comprising PFUJ, CPNE, AEMEND, APNS and PBA, voiced its concerns in a letter to the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Senate on Interior, according to Busines Recorder.
Upholding and expressing its contentment with media laws and regulations going hand-in-hand with democratic norms, the JAC letter stated that the recently advanced PECA amendment bill "contradicts the principles of fairness and the spirit of democracy."
The media body stated that the PECA amendments, entailing tremendous consequences for the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression, were devised without having relevant stakeholders and entities representing media and journalists.
"The process through which this amendment is being advanced—hastily and without meaningful engagement with the stakeholders— contradicts the principles of fairness and the spirit of democracy," read the JAC letter.
This approach lacks transparency and raises concerns about the "intent behind the bill" and its impact on the rights to free speech guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan.
