Lahore: Media organizations in Pakistan have decided to intensify their movement against the controversial amendments to the Pakistan Communication Authority (PCA) 2016, with plans to stage a parliamentary sit-in as the next step in their protests.
The Secretary-General of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Arshad Ansari, made this announcement, stating that protests, rallies, and demonstrations will be held across the country. He further mentioned that the media community plans to organize a long march towards the Parliament House, conduct sit-ins, and initiate a “Jail Bharo Movement.”
Arshad Ansari emphasized that the PCA amendment bill is a serious attack on press freedom. He also mentioned that labor unions, human rights organizations, and civil society groups would collaborate in organizing joint protests.
Moreover, Ansari said that PFUJ and the Joint Action Committee would challenge this amended law in court.
Details of PCA Amendment Bill
The recent amendments include new definitions, the establishment of regulatory bodies and investigative agencies, and strict penalties for spreading “false” information.
Under the new amendments, spreading “fake information” could result in a prison sentence of up to three years, along with a fine of up to two lakh rupees.
Additionally, the amendments propose the creation of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and the Social Media Protection Tribunal.
The amendments also allow individuals affected by “fake and false information” to request the removal or blocking of such content from the relevant authority, which must issue an order within 24 hours.
Moreover, social media platforms would be required to register with the authority, potentially subject to a registration fee.
The proposed amendments include the establishment of a Social Media Protection Council, which would address complaints about violations of social media laws. Each tribunal would include a chairman (eligible to become a High Court judge), a journalist, and a software engineer. These tribunals would be required to resolve cases within 90 days, and appeals could be filed in the Supreme Court within 60 days.
Protests and Negotiations with the Government
This announcement came a day after Federal Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, invited journalist organizations to negotiate over the controversial provisions of the PCA.
Tarar stated, “There is always room for improvement in laws,” criticizing the protests against the PCA while no discussions were taking place regarding its provisions.
On this occasion, journalists and media organizations observed a “Black Day” across the country under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), where black flags were raised at press clubs and union offices, and journalists wore black armbands.
