Rana Tanveer Hussain presented the Peca Bill in the Upper House.
Journalists walked out of the Senate gallery.
Wali termed it a draconian law as it imposes restrictions.
ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Tuesday approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024, aimed at creating a digital society, economy, and governance, amid protests by the opposition benches.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain presented the Peca bill in the Upper House, stating it was intended to address social media issues and was not directed against journalists.
ANP’s Aimal Wali Khan termed it a draconian law restricting freedom of speech and announced a walkout. Journalists also walked out of the Senate gallery in protest as the bill was presented.
Leader of the Opposition Shibli Faraz criticized the lack of consultation in the legislative process, calling it flawed.
Meanwhile, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar described the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill as a step toward digitizing systems to meet modern-day requirements.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt declared the day a black day for democracy, media, and freedom of speech. He called this the start of a press freedom movement that would continue until the law is withdrawn.
He further announced protests across the country and emphasized that legal battles would also be fought in courts to challenge the law.
