Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday urged PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi to play the role of a mediator between the government and media on the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (Peca) Amendment Bill 2022, which has drawn severe criticism from journalists, Aaj News reported.

Chaudhry's suggestion came during a telephonic conversation with Pervaiz Elahi - the Punjab Assembly speaker and a key ally of the PTI-led ruling coalition.

According to details, the two leaders discussed a range of issues including the current political landscape, opposition-led agitation, and the Peca ordinance with the PML-Q leader relaying his party's concerns over the controversial legislation.

Fawad defended the ordinance while underscoring what he called the government's commitment to freedom of expression and concerted efforts to ensure effective regulations in this regard.

He told Elahi that that the government “always welcomes constructive feedback but it is inappropriate to attack someone’s personal life in the guise of criticism."

Fawad asked Pervaiz to play the role of a mediator in order to sort out specific issues between the government and media on matters related to PECA and “assured him of implementing whatsoever agreement worked out with the media organisations.”

President Dr Arif Alvi on February 20 promulgated an ordinance to amend Peca, 2016, aimed at countering fake news, amid the opposition and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's concerns over the tweak.

According to Law Minister Farogh Nasim, the amendment in Peca was aimed at countering the “fake news,” stressing that spreading such information would be a non-bailable and cognizable offence and the punishment was now increased from three years to five years.

Salient features of the PECA amendment

• Non-bailable offence
• Cognizable offence
• Complainant can be public at large
• Punishment increased from three years to five years
• Trial to be conducted within six months
• If trial is not complete within six months, disciplinary proceedings could be conducted against judge
• No one is exempt to ordinance
• Counter fake news

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists on Tuesday submitted a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the Peca Amendment Ordinance, 2022. The writ petition was filed under Article 199 of the Constitution and the President, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage were made respondents in the case.

Several other constitutional petitions have also been filed against the ordinance, including one by former senator Farhatullah Babar.