The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill, 2024, was presented in the Senate on Friday where it was sent it to the relevant standing committee for review. The passage was met with strong opposition from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), leading to protests and a walkout by journalists from the press gallery.

The session, chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Senate, began with a motion by PPP Senator Sherry Rehman to suspend Question Hour, which was subsequently approved. Following this, PTI senators staged a protest, standing on their desks.

Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar introduced the PECA Amendment Bill, 2024, which was then referred to the relevant committee. Protests continued throughout the bill’s presentation, culminating in a walkout by journalists in protest against the PECA amendments.

In addition to the PECA amendment, the Senate also introduced the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, which was similarly referred to the relevant standing committee.

The Deputy Chairman directed the standing committee to submit its report within three days. The Senate session was adjourned until 4 PM on January 27th. The opposition’s objections to the PECA amendments and the subsequent journalist walkout highlight significant concerns regarding the bill’s potential impact on freedom of speech and press.