ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday blocked an opposition-led resolution against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2025 amendments in the Senate by highlighting a quorum issue moments before the debate.
The resolution, introduced by Senator Aon Abbas Buppi, urged the government to revisit the controversial Peca amendments and remove clauses that conflict with fundamental human rights. However, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar pointed out the lack of quorum, prompting Acting Chairperson Senator Sherry Rehman to order a headcount. Upon finding the quorum incomplete, the session was adjourned.
The resolution called for the government to consult journalists’ unions, media bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure the amendments uphold press freedom and democratic values.
Following the adjournment, a group of opposition senators, led by Leader of the Opposition Shibli Faraz, visited the Parliamentary Press Gallery to express solidarity with journalists. The delegation, which included Senators Barrister Ali Zafar, Aon Abbas Buppi, Alama Raja Nasir Abbas, and others, assured media representatives that their party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), would continue to fight for democratic rights and press freedom.
Senator Aon Abbas Buppi criticized the government’s move to disrupt the resolution’s debate, claiming the opposition had enough votes to pass it. He vowed to reintroduce the resolution during Monday’s Senate session.
Meanwhile, journalists across the country, led by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), staged rallies against the Peca 2025 amendments. In Islamabad, protestors marched from the National Press Club to the Red Zone, where PFUJ leaders warned the government of an indefinite sit-in if their demands were ignored.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt, addressing demonstrators, declared that the ongoing hunger strike was a final warning. He cautioned the government that any further suppression of press freedom could spark mass protests.
Veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi, recalling past struggles for media rights, criticized the government’s crackdown on press freedom, warning that attempts to please the establishment through repressive laws would backfire.
To address concerns over the Peca amendments, the PFUJ formed a seven-member committee to review the law and propose changes. The committee, comprising senior journalists such as Mubarak Zeb Khan, Matiullah Jan, and Myra Imran, will collaborate with civil society, legal experts, and human rights groups to ensure a fair and democratic revision process.
