PML-N pledges full support to media bodies against PECA ordinance

Spokesperson says the party will fight at all forums to defend media freedom

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced to fully support the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the media bodies against the PTI-led government, which recently promulgated an ordinance amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a statement on Tuesday that the ordinance "was a unique blunder where punishment comes before even defining the crime".

She said independent and upright judges had been made to “bow down” before the administration which is against the concept of freedom and independence of the judiciary.

“This black law is a violation of the Constitution of Pakistan and the spirit of the freedoms it promises, she added.

Also read: PECA ordinance challenged in LHC

She went on to say that PECA was a violation of basic human rights. The former information minister further said that the PML-N would fight at all forums to defend the freedom of expression and freedom of the press and media. “This PECA is basically a rebranded and re-engineered version of the rejected Pakistan Media Development Authority.”

The PML-N would fight this “draconian and despotic tyrannical rule” of Prime Minister Imran Khan with democratic and Constitutional means, she added.

Aurangzeb said that lawyers, media persons and political workers would join forces with the general public to defeat these "forces of fascism".

“This is a battle to guard the Constitution and democracy of Pakistan which would be fought with everything one could muster up,” the statement quoted her as saying.

PM Imran, she said like every other despot before him, was destined to be defeated.