Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ata Ullah Tarar, addressed an event in Lahore where he explained that the purpose of the PECA (Program for Information Communication and Act) law is to safeguard freedom of expression and address the risks posed by social media.
He stated that the PECA Act incorporates the best global practices to combat fake news and mitigate the negative impacts of digital media. Ata Ullah Tarar questioned the protests against the PECA Act and asked critics to clarify which specific provision they objected to, particularly regarding the prevention of fake news.
The minister stressed that there is no editorial control on digital media, leading to issues such as harassment and blackmailing of women. He mentioned that journalists facing violations of their rights can approach the High Court for redress.
Ata Ullah Tarar also announced that nominations from the private sector for the Digital Media Protection Authority would soon be made, including journalists from press clubs and journalistic organizations. He emphasized the importance of institutions and stated that their employees are a national asset, whose skills and hard work form the foundation of success.
He further added that corruption has harmed institutions, and reforms are being introduced to address this, ensuring merit and transparency, and preventing any obstacles in implementing these reforms.
