The National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, descended into chaos today as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members vehemently protested the passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Continuing their protest for another day, opposition members stood on their seats during the Question Hour, raised slogans, and ultimately walked out of the House, tearing up copies of the agenda.
The bill was passed by a majority vote, triggering strong reactions from the opposition and media organizations.
Journalists also walked out of the session, expressing their opposition to the proposed amendments. They left the gallery and abandoned coverage of the National Assembly session, raising slogans of "PECA Act Namanzoor" in the lobby.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar reached the lobby to address the journalists' grievances. He admitted that consultation should have been held on the law, claiming that for now, the amendment will only form an authority and commission. "PECA will protect professional journalists. The bill does not target working journalists," the minister claimed.
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He further remarked that vloggers and YouTubers had created a parallel economy, and social media was being used to spread hatred. Regarding the bill, Tarar said the consultation processes on it would continue and clarified that the word 'complainant' was not only meant for journalists, but for everyone.
The bill will expand electronic media and increase its scope, Tarar claimed, inviting all journalist organizations to a meeting on the law.
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However, the media organisations' Joint Action Committee (JAC), which includes PBA, PFUJ, APNS, CPNE, and AEMEND, strongly rejected the amendments. Their key concerns include:
- No draft was shared with the committee or any of its members
- Amendments made without consultation with media stakeholders
- The bill should not be passed without consulting all stakeholders
- No member is in position to comment before studying the draft
The National Assembly session was ultimately postponed indefinitely.
