ANP Rejects PECA Ordinance, Terms it “Black Law”
Peshwar Jan. 28:The Awami National Party (ANP) has categorically rejected the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) ordinance, with party president Aimal Wali Khan terming it a “black law” that curbs freedom of expression.
Khan expressed concerns that the ordinance has a “smell of boots and uniforms,” implying that it is being used to suppress dissenting voices. He emphasized that no democratic party or individual can support such a law.
The ANP president criticized the government for not considering the party’s recommendations and suggestions during the standing committee meeting prior to the Senate session. He also lamented that he was not allowed to speak about the ordinance during today’s session.
Khan questioned how such a law could be passed without taking stakeholders and the media into confidence. He acknowledged that fake news is a problem but stressed that it should not be used as an excuse to impose draconian laws.
The ANP president also raised concerns about the involvement of “fifth-generation warriors” in spreading fake news and asked who was training them. He alleged that the ordinance is being used to target politicians first.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the impact of PECA on freedom of expression and the media in Pakistan ¹.
