ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the introduction of amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crime Act 2016 (Peca), calling it a “betrayal” by Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari, in a statement issued here on Wednesday, denounced the amendments as “unwanted” and “against the spirit of the Constitution”. They argued that the changes are a deliberate attempt to suppress the media, social media and the media community in the country.
The PFUJ leadership expressed disappointment that Minister Tarar had promised to share the draft with the stakeholders, including the PFUJ, but failed to do so by design. They termed the tabling of the amendments as a “ditching” of the entire media industry, allegedly done at the behest of “invisible hands”.
The PFUJ reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitutional right to the Freedom of the Press and Expression, stating that it will be “safeguarded at all costs”.
The federal union urged the government to withdraw the draft amendment bill immediately and share it with the stakeholders for a meaningful debate before its final adoption. If the draft amendments are not withdrawn, the PFUJ threatened to launch a countrywide protest by the journalist community to block the bill.
Meanwhile, state-owned and run TV pensioners organised a protest in Islamabad
A large number the pensioners gathered in front of the National Press Club Islamabad to demand immediate payment of the commutation amount to retirees who have been deprived of their hard-earned retirement benefits. They also demanded the restoration of medical facilities on credit and other benefits, says another press release.
As per the protesting former employees of the state-owned television, around 300 pensioners have been denied payment of the commutation amount, forcing them to run from one place to another without any success.
Speakers demanded an inquiry and proceedings against those engaged in corruption in the state-run TV and denying payments on account of commutation.
They criticised the management and Ministry of Information for the current situation, suspension of medical facilities on credit, and denial of pension increases as announced in the federal budget 2024-25. They also protested the seven-month delay in pension increases, violating the Federal Ombudsman’s orders.
PFUK former secretary general Nasir Zaidi, NPC representative Amer Butt expressed solidarity with the protesting pensioners. They condemned the government’s indifference towards employees who dedicated their lives to the organisation.
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday disposed of a petition against a Pemra notification subjecting the...
karachi: Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori on Tuesday returned to the Sindh Assembly the newly passed Sindh...
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs condemned the US proposal of removing the Palestinians...
ISLAMABAD: The registrar office of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday cancelled the cause lists of the courts...
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was informed on Tuesday that journalists would only be able to report...
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) asked the government on Tuesday to file a written reply on two declarations...
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Tuesday claimed to have furnished its response to the five petitioners...
ISLAMABAD: In a major crackdown, health authorities in Karachi have uncovered a disturbing network marketing fake and...