PECA Act Amendment Bill ,A Naked Dictatorship - Altaf Hussain
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Posted on: 1/23/2025
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PECA Act Amendment Bill ,A Naked Dictatorship - Altaf Hussain
The illegitimate government of Pakistan Muslim League (N), established under Form 47 in the National Assembly, has provided yet another example of naked dictatorship by passing the PECA Act Amendment Bill 2025.
I strongly condemn this bill which was passed in the National Assembly, in the harshest terms.
The PECA Act Amendment Bill-2025 is a draconian law and a grave violation of citizens' fundamental human rights. Through this martial law-style and oppressive legislation, not only are the rights of Pakistani journalists and citizens to freedom of expression being snatched away but restrictions are also being imposed to silence freedom of speech and press liberty. The objective is to suppress all constructive criticism against the government’s illegitimate actions through force.
Since September 2015, an undemocratic, unconstitutional, and illegal ban has been imposed on the publication and broadcasting of my writings, speeches, and images in print and electronic media. Justice has not been provided to us even by the courts against this illegal and unconstitutional ban. Therefore, I can well understand the malicious intentions behind curbing press freedom and freedom of expression.
The incumbent government of the
has already adopted an authoritarian approach by imposing unjust restrictions on print and electronic media. Journalists who speak and write the truth are being targeted by government reprisals. Now, through the PECA Act Amendment Bill, an attempt is being made to silence voices raised on social media. Journalists who constructively criticize the government’s unlawful actions are being harassed with punishments and fines which is condemnable to the highest degree.
My question is: Has martial law been imposed in the country? Can the government crush the voice of truth by passing such oppressive laws?
The government’s ill intentions are further evident from the fact that it did not even bother to take journalistic organisations into confidence on the sensitive issue of the PECA Act Amendment Bill. As a result, journalists and their representative organizations are deeply aggrieved and outraged.
I declare the government’s authoritarian approach and this dictatorial law restricting freedom of expression as outright hostility towards democracy. I stand with the journalist community against this authoritarian restriction and will continue to play my part in the struggle for press freedom and freedom of expression.
ALTAF HUSSAIN.
London - UK
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1/26/2025 3:25:43 PM
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