Senate opposition, journalists walk out over Peca bill

ISLAMABAD: The Senate session on Monday witnessed a protest from the opposition, culminating in a walkout over a controversial bill seeking to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

Members of the journalist fraternity also exited the Senate media gallery against the proposed legislation. Despite the uproar, the orders of the day for Tuesday’s sitting were issued, listing the Peca amendment bill and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2025, for consideration.

Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar criticised the opposition for disrupting proceedings, arguing that their protest was unnecessary as the bill was not scheduled for passage that day. He urged the opposition to focus on the House’s routine business, adding that the Senate Standing Committee on Interior had cleared the bill earlier in the day, though it could still be debated when tabled for passage.

ANP Senator Umar Farooq presented the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior regarding the PECA amendment bill. While the committee, led by PTI Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, cleared the bill, it noted reservations, highlighting concerns that the legislation could undermine freedom of speech.

Additionally, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology submitted its report on the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, 2025, for the House’s review.

The session concluded with a unanimous resolution reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. The resolution, moved by Senator Danesh Kumar, expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for freedom.

Due to the absence of several members and deferred agenda items, much of the Senate’s planned business remained unaddressed.

Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the Senate that the contentious canal project, currently under discussion at the leadership level, would be resolved amicably within the constitutional and legal framework. Addressing concerns raised by PPP legislators Zamir Hussain Ghumro and Bilal Mandokhail, Tarar said that no decision would be made without consulting the provinces and addressing their concerns.

Speaking on the floor of the House, the minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to dialogue and inclusivity. “The prime minister is committed to engaging all coalition partners. Nothing will be done without thorough discussion and consensus. The constitutional framework, including the Water Accord, will guide the process, and no actions will be taken in haste,” he stated.

Tarar underscored the federal government’s parental role, assuring that an amicable solution remains the priority.

Ghumro had highlighted the lack of consultation, noting that neither a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting had been convened nor the matter referred to the relevant parliamentary committee. He expressed alarm over the situation in Sindh, where water scarcity was already severe, and voiced serious reservations about the canal project. “We opposed the Kalabagh dam on similar grounds, fearing an adverse impact on provincial water shares. Even Punjab’s Planning and Development Department has opposed this canal project,” he remarked, urging a CCI meeting under Article 154 of the Constitution.

Mandokhail warned against creating another divisive situation like the Kalabagh dam controversy, adding that the project could also harm Punjab’s farmers.

Senator Palwasha Khan of the PPP said that the proposed project could result in water being diverted at the expense of Sindh and Punjab. “If water is diverted, someone will inevitably suffer. Both Sindh and Punjab would bear the brunt of this project,” she noted.

The discussion underscored the need for transparent dialogue and adherence to constitutional mechanisms to ensure an equitable resolution for all provinces.

PTI parliamentary leader in the Senate Ali Zafar Monday voiced strong opposition to the controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), stressing the need for safeguarding journalists’ rights. Speaking to the media outside Parliament House alongside Senators Hamid Khan and Allama Nasir Abbas, Zafar stated, “We do not want a journalist to be sent to jail for asking a question. If the right to opinion is abolished, democracy ends in the country.”

He called for formation of a joint committee to review the amendments and implement consensus-based proposals. Zafar criticised the government’s approach, describing the amendments as unconstitutional and a threat to freedom of expression. “The new interpretation of fake news under the PECA amendments is draconian and will suppress dissent, effectively ending democracy,” he added.

Zafar also alleged that the amendments were politically motivated, asserting, “Imran Khan’s message is clear—we will not accept these controversial amendments under any circumstances.” The PTI senators walked out of the Senate in solidarity with protesting journalists, who oppose the amendments for their potential to curb press freedom.

Senator Hamid Khan reiterated PTI’s stance, saying, “We stand with our journalist brothers and will oppose unconstitutional measures everywhere.”

Meanwhile, PMLN Senator Talal Chaudhry addressed protesting journalists at Parliament House, acknowledging their concerns. “The House is incomplete without journalists. There is nothing in this bill against journalists, and we will convey your concerns to our leadership,” he said.

Talal stressed the need to regulate social media to curb defamation and misuse, stating, “Regulating social media is the need of the hour. Some people engage in slander while others issue fatwas. This regulation is essential, but it should not target journalists.”

He assured journalists that their concerns would be communicated to senior party leaders and the prime minister, urging them to end their boycott. “We want you to be taken into confidence. This bill cannot and should not be against journalists,” he concluded.