PML-N to seek repeal of PECA law tweak through joint sitting

Shehbaz assures JAC delegation of his full support for struggle against anti-media law

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif instructed his party on Monday to table a resolution in parliament under the Rule 145 to repeal the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Ordinance.

During a meeting with a delegation of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the media, Shehbaz, also the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), further instructed the party’s lawmakers to submit a requisition for a joint sitting of parliament.

Under the Rule 145, a resolution is tabled in the joint sitting of parliament to repeal an ordinance. The ordinance is revoked after the approval of the resolution. Shahbaz decided to requisition the joint sitting to repeal the “black law against media” and instructed the party to take practical steps in this regard.

The JAC delegation included leaders of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS).

Shahbaz assured the delegation that if Almighty Allah gave the opportunity and the PML-N came to power, it would repeal the “black, authoritarian and anti-media laws” that violated the constitutional right to freedom of access to information.

Shahbaz supported the JAC decision to challenge the PECA amendment in the court. He termed the PECA Amendment Ordinance a manifestation of the “authoritarian, fascist and undemocratic” thinking of the present government.

“We reject these amendments and will challenge all these black laws at every legal forum to block them,” Shehbaz told the delegation. He added that the media was like a mirror, and “if the rulers cannot see their faces then they should improve their features”.

Read Govt urged to repeal amendment to 'draconian' PECA Ordinance

Shahbaz Sharif said that the rulers were under the illusion that they might suppress the voices of truth through jails, punishments, imprisonment, fines and black laws. “Neither this happened in the past nor could it happen now,” he added.

While paying tribute to the historic struggle by the media for freedom of expression and speaking the truth, the National Assembly opposition leader said that the media had fought an unforgettable war for its independence at various stages of history.

“Had the government any bona fide intentions, the ordinance would have been presented in parliament and “the backdoor of ordinance” would not have been used. The government wants to shut the eyes, tongues and ears of the media to cover up its worst and historic failures on every front,” he added.

“We will not allow this to happen,” he said. He paid tribute to the struggle of the JAC against black laws and for media freedom. To achieve this cause, he assured the delegation of full support of his party and as the leader of the opposition.