Senators Block PECA Act to Be Used Against Newspapers

The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) not to take action under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against newspapers, their digital editions, websites, or television channels over published news reports.

The committee, chaired by Senator Sarmad Ali, said complaints against newspapers should be referred to the Press Council of Pakistan, while complaints involving television channels fall under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). It also directed the complainant in the case under discussion to approach the Press Council.

Senator Sarmad Ali said lawmakers had been assured when PECA was passed that the law would not be used against newspapers or the digital platforms of television channels. The committee also discussed a case involving a journalist’s use of the word “Bureaucrapt” for bureaucrats. NCCIA officials said the newspaper had removed the column from its website, although it remained available on social media.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid said the removal of the column suggested the publication itself considered the content inappropriate. However, he said the continued availability of the material on social media highlighted ambiguities in the law, adding that PECA should either be repealed or amended to remove confusion. NCCIA officials clarified that only a notice had been issued and no criminal case had been registered.

National Press Club President Abdul Razzaq Syal told the committee that journalists faced most legal actions despite publishing verified reports and stressed the need to distinguish between digital editions of newspapers and social media platforms.

The committee also discussed journalists’ housing and health card issues, forming a three-member subcommittee to review the long-delayed housing quota. It called for restoring the two percent housing quota for journalists, resolving health card issues, and including media workers in the prime minister’s loan scheme.