Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has reiterated that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is aimed at eliminating fake news and
\naddressing the damages caused through social media.
\nSpeaking as the chief guest at the oath-taking ceremony of the Associated Press of
\nPakistan (APP) Union, he emphasized that social media could not be left unchecked
\nunder the guise of journalism. He warned that fake propaganda, false news, harassment,
\nchild abuse content, threats to national security, economic uncertainty, and personal
\ndefamation were being spread online, creating unrest in society.
\nTo regulate digital platforms, Tarar announced the establishment of a Digital Media
\nProtection Authority, which will include members from the private sector, press clubs,
\nand journalist organizations. Journalists and IT professionals would also be part of its
\ntribunal. The authority will ensure swift decision-making, with tribunals required to pass
\norders within 24 hours, and appeals could be made to the High Court and Supreme
\nCourt. The minister assured that all stakeholders would be consulted before finalizing
\nthe framework.
\n\u201cThis is a crucial step in addressing the threats posed by social media,\u201d said Tarar,
\nadding that the law will help curb misinformation and malicious content. He urged
\njournalistic organizations to support the legislation, which incorporates global best
\npractices.
\nThe minister also addressed the damaging effects of corruption, stating that it had
\ncaused irreparable harm to institutions. He reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment
\nto reforming institutions under the Ministry of Information, making them profitable
\nand efficient. He further highlighted the vital role of national institutions like Pakistan
\nTelevision (PTV), Radio Pakistan, and APP in promoting Pakistan\u2019s image globally.
\nRecognizing the struggles of journalists, Tarar assured that addressing their challenges
\nremains a top priority. He announced that funds would be allocated in the upcoming
\nbudget for journalists who pass away during service.
\nEmphasizing the importance of employees as a national asset, he urged them to
\nwork with dedication and integrity for the betterment of their institution.
\nHe also assured the resolution of employees issues and distributed shields among
\nthe participants.
\nThe event was attended by PML-N leader Begum Sajida Farooq Tarar (mother of the minister),
\nCoordinator for Heritage and Culture Farah Diba, Director General Radio Sheikh Saeed,
\nBureau Chief APP Lahore Talib Hussain, and several senior journalists and media professionals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has reiterated that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) is aimed at eliminating fake news and addressing the damages caused through social media. Speaking as the chief guest at the oath-taking ceremony of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Union, he emphasized that social media could […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":424853,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-459263","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n