The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a plea challenging recent amendments made to the Conduct of Election Rules of 1961, which restrict people's right to access election-related records.
Media personnel shouted slogans against the amendments and said that any legislation without holding consultation with stakeholders was not acceptable and restrictions on freedom of expression will not be tolerated.
Speaking to reporters in Dena, Rehman said he had spoken to Zardari about Peca Act, who told him that the recommendations on the act will be accepted. However, later on, Pakistan President gave approval to Peca Amendments Bill.
Speaking to ANI, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain said, "The real issues related to Waqf were not discussed in the way the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was working. The procedures were not followed before submitting the report. We wanted clause-by-clause discussion between JPC members and then
In a statement, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) stated, "The amendments to Pakistan's draconian PECA represent a transparent attempt to further tighten control over digital expression and internet freedom under the guise of curbing misinformation."
The PECA (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2024, which seek to establish a digital economy, society, and governance, were adopted by the upper house on Tuesday despite protests from the opposition benches according to a report by Geo News.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, the decision ensures a smooth transition for compliance with labelling amendments, providing businesses with sufficient time to adapt.
JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal defends the approval of the WAQF Bill, highlighting the democratic process behind the 25 amendments across 14 clauses, and calls the process transparent and in line with parliamentary procedure.
The Waqf Amendment bill aims to overhaul the Waqf Act of 1995, which governs the management of Waqf properties in India. The bill has been a subject of controversy, with opposition parties alleging that it undermines the rights of Muslims and the federal structure of India.