Daily Times

Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry Wednesday said the government is ready to withdraw the controversial Pakistan Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act Ordinance 2022 (PECA).

Fawad said while talking to a private news channel that the government has handed over the mandate to Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on this matter. He said if the media Joint Action Committee (JAC) could get its proposal approved, the government would also accept the recommendations.

Meanwhile, Fawad Chaudhry and Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, in telephonic conversation discussed important issues including PECA.

The speaker apprised the minister about the assertions and concerns of the media organizations about the amendment in the PECA, said a news release.

Fawad asked Pervaiz Elahi to play the role of a mediator in order to sort out specific issues between the government and media on matters related to the PECA and assured him of implementing whatsoever agreement worked out with the media organizations.

He said the government fully believed in the freedom of expression and was making concerted efforts to ensure effective regulations in this regard.

The minister said the government always welcomed constructive criticism, but it was inappropriate to attack someone’s personal life in the guise of criticism.

Elahi expressed gratitude on inquiring after the health of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain by Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to Lahore the other day.