Islamabad (Web Desk): The government successfully managed to pass four bills during the joint session of the parliamentary on Friday despite significant disruption from opposition lawmakers, particularly those from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The session, which lasted only 18 minutes, was marked by protests as PTI lawmakers entered the chamber holding placards and chanting slogans against the government’s actions.
Their primary target was the controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, which have drawn criticism from various groups, particularly journalists.
As the session progressed, tensions escalated. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub’s attempt to raise concerns was dismissed by NA speaker Ayaz Sadiq, leading to further protest.
PTI members stood up, shouted slogans, and even tore up the session's agenda in protest.
Despite the uproar, the government pushed through the Trade Organisations (Amendment) Bill 2021, the Imports and Exports Regulatory (Amendment) Bill 2023, and the National Institute of Technology Bill 2024, among others.
However, not all bills passed; four bills, including the National Commission for Human Development (Amendment) Bill 2023, were deferred.
Following the session, PTI leaders gathered in protest outside the parliamentary chambers, criticizing the PECA amendments, with some calling them an attack on press freedom.
The opposition leaders, including Asad Qaiser and Shibli Faraz, strongly condemned the amendments, claiming they would be weaponized to suppress dissent and limit freedom of speech.
Later, talking to media, Shibli Faraz went further, calling the changes draconian, and hinted at a broader pattern of restrictions on civil liberties.
Meanwhile, Ayub expressed unwavering support for journalists and democracy, vowing to defend their rights even at great personal risk.
It is pertinent to mention that opposition parties staged a walkout during the previous NA session in protest against the government's passage of the Peca law, which faced strong condemnation from journalist organizations due to the controversial legal amendments.
