*PRESS RELEASE*

*Karachi, Wednesday March 2, 2022:* Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan News Papers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has filed a writ petition in Islamabad High Court challenging the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance 2022.

The petition states that the Impugned Ordinance under the pretence and disguise of fighting fake news and disinformation will in reality shutter discussion and comment on the working of public figures, officials and institutions which discussion and comment is vital to good governance and a functioning democracy. Parliament lacks legislative competency to shutter such discussion and comment and as such the Impugned Ordinance is colourable legislation liable to be struck down. That the Sections 2 and 3 of the Impugned Ordinance curtail the right to information and is against the fundamental rights as provided by Article 19-A of the Constitution.

The petition is filed through Mr. Muneer A. Malik, Senior Advocate Supreme Court and Barrister Rabi Bin Tariq.