- Body to review Peca 2016, ensure consensus on amendments.
- The panel headed by Rana Sanaullah also includes federal ministers.
- Senator Sherry Rehman and Khalid Magsi are also part of the committee.
ISLAMABAD: To hold consultations on the proposed amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Acts (Peca) 2016, the federal government has notified an eight-member special committee, News reported on Tuesday.
According to a notification issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the special committee will be responsible for reviewing the Peca 2016 and ensuring political consensus on the proposed amendments to the law by holding consultations with all stakeholders.
The committee will also make recommendations on the amendments, provide support to the Ministry of Information Technology Secretariat and submit its recommendations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif within 15 days.
According to the publication, the committee will be headed by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and will include Minister of Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Senator Sherry. Rehman, Nawabzada Khalid Magsi and the Attorney General of Pakistan, Mansoor Usman Awan.
During its meeting on May 14, the cabinet approved the creation of a special consultation commission on the proposed modifications for Peca 2016.
Last week, News I learned from government sources that a special cabinet committee invited the media and other stakeholders for consultations on the proposed amendment bill and the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority.
This issue arose in the last meeting of the federal cabinet during which emphasis was placed on reviewing the said amendment to ensure consensus before its presentation in Parliament.
According to sources, the purpose of establishing the Social Media Regulatory Authority was to advise the government on matters related to digital rights, responsible use of the Internet and ensure compliance with regulations.
With its plans regarding the amendments, the government aims to protect the privacy of citizens' private lives from the threats posed by social media.
Earlier this month, sources said Geographic news that Prime Minister Shehbaz had approved a bill to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, as part of the federal government's move to regulate social media through legislation.
The proposed amendment bill was recommended by the cabinet's Legal Reforms Committee, which suggested the establishment of the Digital Rights Protection Authority, which will come under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information Technology, they added.
