After a strong reaction from stakeholders against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill (PECB), the government is now seeking suggestions from the general public regarding their objections in the modified draft.
Although it has been passed by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, the draft has been withheld from presentation before the parliament. Instead, according to an official statement, stakeholders and the general public have been invited to send proposed amendments in the bill draft along with appropriate justification within a period of seven days.
Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (ISPAK), the Pakistan Software Houses Association, industry professionals and journalist bodies have all opposed the modified bill draft.
You can send proposed amendments in the bill draft along with appropriate justification within a period of seven days.
According to them, the bill would negatively affect the information and communications technology industry, students and researchers, the print and electronic media, as well as regular internet users. Industry professionals and stakeholders remain skeptical regarding the process of amendments, and have instead requested to make a presentation before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology.
The opposition parties have also asked the government to give further consideration to the bill draft before presenting it to the parliament for a final vote. Furthermore, in an effort to preserve the rights of internet users, the PPP has established a committee in order to bring in amendments that conform to the widely agreed upon Magna Carta.
Everyone from JEC, ISPAK, PASHA to ProPakistani itself have opposed the bill. Now is the chance to make a difference.
The modified bill has been uploaded to the websites of the National Assembly (http://www.na.gov.pk) and the Ministry of Information Technology (http://www.moit.gov.pk) for the public to view and make suggestions. Objections along with proposed amendments can be sent via email to naeemshafi69@hotmail.com, or via post to the secretary of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology.
