A Joint Action Committee comprised of journalist and media owner bodies PBA, APNS, CPNE, PFUJ, AEMEND, has expressed serious concern over amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act as well as the federal government’s new defamation bill.

“The media bodies are not against strengthening the defamation laws or regulating digital medial after strengthening defamation laws, but the bill appears draconian in its current form and threatens the fundamental right to freedom of expression,” the JAC said in a statement.

It also called for ‘purposeful consultation’ with all stakeholders before the bill is put into effect.

“The Joint Action Committee demands that the Punjab government and the Federal Government hold extensive discussions with media organizations, and other stakeholders to thoroughly examine the implications of the proposed legislation on freedom of expression and postpone the passing of the bill in the assembly until then.”

“The JAC believes that any legislation in this regard must strike a delicate balance between protecting individual rights and upholding the principles of freedom of expression,” the statement added.

However, the JAC also said that it remained committed to ‘engaging constructively’ with the government over the matter

THe statement added that the JAC wants the new digital media laws to be fair, just, and in line with democratic principles.