DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Awami National Party (ANP) has strongly opposed the amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), calling it an attack on freedom of expression and democratic principles.
In a statement issued from party’s headquarters Bacha Khan Markaz here on Friday, the central spokesperson of the paty Engineer Ihsanullah Khan stated that ANP firmly stands against any restrictions on free speech and has consistently rejected such laws, which violate fundamental human rights.
Criticizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he accused the party of shedding “crocodile tears” over the act despite being a key contributor to it.
He pointed out that Senator Faisal Saleem, Chairman of the PTI-led Standing Committee, bypassed due process and rushed the bill’s approval while disregarding ANP’s recommendations.
ANP had proposed amendments to safeguard political workers, media freedom, consumer privacy, and human rights, but these suggestions were rejected outright.
Khan compared PTI’s actions to those of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), claiming both parties have used repressive laws to suppress dissent.
He further warned that such legislation is being weaponized to control the media and restrict social media discourse, violating Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees freedom of expression.
ANP central spokesperson called for immediate reforms in media-related laws to align them with democratic principles and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
