Maulana Fazlur Rehman Announces Full Support for Journalists Against PECA Act

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced his full support for journalists against the government's controversial PECA Act, stating, "I openly oppose the PECA Amendment Act. Every dictator attacks the Constitution, democracy, and Parliament. A few months ago, an attack was made under the name of the 26th Amendment, which we resisted. An attempt was also made to turn the judiciary into a subordinate institution."

While addressing a seminar organized by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in Islamabad, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said, "A delegation of journalists met me regarding the PECA Amendment Act. When I read its details, I realized that freedom of expression is being strangled in a democratic country. I strongly oppose this amendment act. Dictators have always targeted the media first. During my student days, I used to hear slogans against authoritarian rule."

Maulana Fazlur Rehman added, "I do not accept restrictions on journalism or any form of forced censorship. If a code of conduct for the media is needed, it should be formulated by journalists themselves. I have always supported the idea that journalism should have a code of conduct, but it should be created by journalists. Journalists are respectable individuals, and if they establish guidelines for tackling fake news themselves, it would be far better."

The JUI chief further stated, "Every dictator attacks the Constitution, democracy, and Parliament. A few months ago, an assault was made under the name of the 26th Amendment, which we resisted. There was an attempt to control the judiciary, military courts were established to suppress basic human rights, and we rejected that proposal."

He further emphasized, "We, as politicians, believe in dialogue. The 26th Amendment initially had 56 clauses, but we brought the government down to 36. In our country, there is always an atmosphere of opposition against the government. Every new law faces difficulties, and these challenges should be addressed properly."

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also highlighted, "The role of Parliament was included in the appointment of the Chief Justice and judges. However, with the threat from a single Chief Justice, the 19th Amendment was introduced, eliminating Parliament's role. There should be public pressure to prevent wrongful decisions. Military courts could not be accepted through constitutional means, so now efforts are being made through other acts."

Mahmood Achakzai: "No One Has Told Us Why Our Country Broke Apart"

On this occasion, Pakistan Constitution Protection Movement leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai stated, "To this day, no one has explained why our country broke apart. Those who claim to have no involvement in politics are the ones ruling this country. We all must unite and raise our voices against the PECA Act. Even if Shehbaz Sharif repeals the PECA Act, our struggle will continue."

Asad Qaiser: "Proper Legislative Procedure Was Not Followed"

PTI leader Asad Qaiser, in his address, said, "The PECA Act was passed by the National Assembly, but the proper legislative process was not followed. There should have been consultations before drafting the law."

Immediate Withdrawal of the PECA Amendment Act Demanded

During the seminar, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, International Federation of Journalists President Dominique Yardley, and senior journalists also spoke, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the PECA Amendment Act.