Pakistani Senate Approves Controversial PECA Amendment Bill 2025 Amid Opposition and Journalist Walkout

The Senate of Pakistan has approved the controversial PECA Amendment Bill 2025, following its earlier passage in the National Assembly. The approval came despite strong opposition from lawmakers and media organizations, leading to a dramatic session marked by protests and a walkout by journalists.

The session, chaired by Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir, saw Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain present the motion for the bill’s approval. Despite fierce resistance from opposition members and media groups, the bill was passed by a majority vote.

Following the approval, opposition members erupted in protest, tearing up copies of the agenda in anger. Journalists in the press gallery also walked out in protest, while Leader of the Opposition Shibli Faraz stood at his seat, vocally rejecting the bill. Slogans of “Reject PECA Act” echoed in the chamber as opposition lawmakers gathered around the chairman’s podium.

Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain defended the legislation, claiming it only targets social media, not newspapers or television channels. “Journalists have nothing to do with this bill. It is not a divine scripture; amendments can be made,” he stated. He also suggested that Shibli Faraz had previously supported similar reforms, calling the earlier version of the law “incomplete and ineffective.”

In response, Senator Shibli Faraz criticized the government’s lack of consultation before passing the law. “Legislation is our job, but this bill was passed without discussion. If the law is meant for public good, there would be no disagreement. However, PECA is being used as a political weapon,” he argued.

Other opposition members, including those from the Awami National Party (ANP), also protested and staged a walkout. ANP leader Aimal Wali accused the government of curbing freedom of speech through the PECA amendments and criticized the lack of consultation with media stakeholders.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has already nationwide protest against the PECA amendments on Today January 28, 2025.