February 22, 2022

 

PRESS RELEASE

Mr. Hafeez-ur-Rehman Chaudhry, Vice-Chairman and Mr. Muhammad Masood Chishti, Chairman, Executive Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council, have rejected the move of the Government for amendments to the “Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA)” through Presidential ordinance. They said it is attempt to impose restrictions on the freedom of expression and dissenting voices of media.

They expressed their concerns and were of the view that the Government is aimed to clampdown on critics and those who work towards upholding the rule of law through this amendment. They further said that laws already exist to protect Institutions and this ordinance seems, only to suppress the freedom of media, which is violation of constitutional rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

They demanded from the Government to immediately withdraw this move and said that the legal fraternity always supported independent media and will not accept any such like attempt in future also against independence of media.

ACTING SECRETARY