PTI Vows Nationwide Protests Against PECA Amendment Bill and Digital Nation Act
Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram announced on Thursday that the party will launch nationwide protests against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amendment bill and the recently proposed Digital Nation Act.
Speaking at a press conference, Akram declared, “The PECA Act is a draconian law. Both PECA and the Digital Nation Act are tools aimed at suppressing freedom of expression and controlling social media, particularly targeting the PTI.”
Read More: PM Approves PECA Amendment To Govern Pakistan’s Social Media
Government Talks and Judicial Commission Demand
Akram also stressed the importance of ongoing negotiations with the government, stating, “The fourth round of talks will proceed only if the government forms the judicial commission by 12 PM today.”
Digital Nation Act Faces Divided Opinion
The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024 was recently approved by the National Assembly’s IT and Telecom Standing Committee through a majority vote. Ten members supported the bill, while six opposed it. However, efforts for unanimous approval by Committee Chairman Amin Ul Haq fell short.
PTI members, including Omar Ayub, Umair Niazi, and Barrister Gohar, strongly opposed the bill during committee discussions.
Government’s Response to Opposition
Minister of State for IT, Shiza Fatima Khawaja, addressed concerns raised by opposition members, clarifying that the bill does not centralize data in a single location, as speculated. Instead, the digital identity system aims to streamline access to services and strengthen digital security. She assured the committee that amendments had been incorporated and shared with all members before the vote.
PTI’s Stance on Freedom of Expression
PTI leaders continue to criticize the proposed laws, citing them as an attack on democratic values and freedom of speech. With protests planned, the party appears determined to resist these measures through political and public mobilization.
The coming days are likely to witness heightened political tension as both the government and PTI defend their respective positions on the controversial legislation.
