Maulana Fazl’s intervention delays signing of PECA Amendment Bill

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has assured that he will not immediately sign the PECA Amendment Bill and has pledged to address the legitimate concerns of the journalist community.

He made this commitment during a conversation with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who contacted him at the request of the Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) regarding the bill, according to a statement issued by PRA.

A PRA delegation held a special meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, thanking him for opposing the PECA amendment bill and urging him to use his influence.

President Zardari assured Maulana Fazlur Rehman that he would temporarily halt the bill and that, in the first phase, a meeting between the interior minister and PRA would be arranged.

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Maulana Fazlur Rehman conveyed journalists’ concerns and protests over certain provisions of the bill. In response, the president emphasised that PRA Pakistan would be consulted before any final decision.

The PRA reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, stating that no compromise would be made on the right to free expression.

The Journalist community protested across Pakistan yesterday against the “controversial” PECA Amendment Bill.

The amendments aim to tighten the noose around those involved in misinformation and fake news on social media platforms according to the government.