Saad Rafique urges amendments to PECA for citizen rights protection

(Web Desk): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader and former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has called for changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to protect citizens' rights in the fight against fake news.

In a statement on social media, Rafique urged that media organizations be consulted on the law's amendments, highlighting the importance of ensuring that fundamental rights are not violated. He also suggested that high courts be given the authority to review decisions made by tribunals under PECA.

Rafique warned that laws meant to control others often end up being used against the people who created them.

Meanwhile, journalist groups have announced plans for a protest march to Parliament House.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General Arshad Ansari said that protests would be organized nationwide, including sit-ins and a "Jail Bharo Tehreek" (court arrest movement) against changes to PECA. The media community is determined to challenge the proposed changes and protect journalists' rights, he added.