Punjab governor urges govt to reconsider PECA tweaks

He also reaffirmed the PPP's commitment to protecting public rights.


Imran Adnan January 30, 2025
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider. PHOTO: FILE

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LAHORE:

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has urged the federal government to reconsider the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill 2025, citing nationwide protests from the journalist community.

The governor's statement comes despite his party PPP's co-chairman, President Asif Ali Zardari, having signed the bill into law following its passage in the National Assembly and Senate.

Speaking at a meeting with party workers at the Governor's House on Wednesday, Haider emphasised that journalists are protesting against what they perceive as government overreach. He reiterated the need for a review of the amendment. He also reaffirmed the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) commitment to protecting public rights.

Commenting on the ongoing political tensions between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Haider said the country is suffering due to a lack of dialogue between the two parties. He praised President Zardari as the "king of reconciliation" and urged both sides to benefit from his political vision. He said the current democratic system functions due to Zardari's positive political approach and stressed that Pakistan's progress depends on mutual consultation and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Governor Haider has signed 12 provincial bills into law, which take effect immediately. These include amendments to laws governing alternative dispute resolution, kite flying prohibition, probation of offenders, education and curriculum, protected areas, wildlife management, water and sanitation, and the establishment of special courts for overseas Pakistanis' property cases.

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