CPNE hails IHC decision on PECA tweak

President Kazim says high court has protected country’s press

KARACHI:

The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) has hailed the Islamabad High Court’s decision of suspending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) Amendment Ordinance 2022 by declaring it “unconstitutional”.

The CPNE members, including President Kazim Khan and Secretary General Amir Mehmood, have welcomed the decision of the high court, saying that it has ensured protection of freedom of expression and the Constitution of Pakistan.

They said in a statement issued on Friday that the values of the press were badly compromised due to the anti-media ordinance. “Every editor and journalist has the fundamental responsibility of safeguarding the Constitution.”

The media has a crucial role in promoting democratic values of any country, it said, adding that but the present regime characterised by dictatorial mindset wanted to eradicate the press and the journalists from the face of the state.

“The government took all efforts to enact anti-media amendments in Peca ordinance. Working from the platform of a joint action committee, the CPNE carried out an extensive protest and struggle against the autocratic and dictatorial law.”

President Kazim while congratulating the media organisations and journalists said that the high court’s decision has protected the country’s press from the tools and tactics which could pave the way for highhandedness of the incumbent ruler for his personal gains.