Senate session adjourned amid opposition, journalist protests

ISLAMABAD: The Senate session, chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar, witnessed protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senators and journalists over the PECA Amendment Bill 2025.

The PECA bill is being widely criticized by organization, bodies, activists, and people from different walks of life, who dub it draconian, and take it as an attack on the freedom of digital expression.

The National Assembly had already approved the bill on January 23. Home Secretary has said that the PECA law is for the protection of the people. “The government has brought amendments for better implementation of the law. The bill passed by the National Assembly should be passed in the same form.”

Earlier in the day, the controversial bill get through the Senate Standing Committee on Interior smoothly.

When the committee’s report on the bill was presented before the Senate during the today’s session, it ignited slogans, desk-thumping, and eventually, walkouts by both PTI senators and journalists. 

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar tried to clarify that the bill was not on the agenda for the day and urged the opposition to address it when formally tabled. Despite this, PTI senators continued their protest and chanted slogans against the bill. 

Deputy Chairman asked Senator Kamran Murtaza to mediate with the journalists. However, the journalists refused to speak to him as he was among those who criticize the government for its stance on the bill.

Murtaza informed the session about the journalists’ concerns that they a government representative to address their grievances. 

He then voiced concerns about the bill’s flaws, including the vague definition of fake news, urging a more measured approach to its passage. 

During the session, the Senate also discussed other legislative matters. A resolution expressing solidarity with Kashmir was unanimously passed, condemning India’s actions in the region and reiterating Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people. 

The session was adjourned until 11:30 am on Tuesday.