ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has defended the amendments to the PECA Act, saying that it is related to social media and due to this, working journalists will get protection, however, journalists’ organizations should come and discuss it.
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, while talking to the media at the Parliament House, said that the PECA Amendment Bill is an important step towards the protection of journalists, there are rules and regulations related to electronic and print media, rules regarding digital media are the need of the hour.
He said that anyone can say anything on digital media, accusations are made on digital media in the name of journalism, the PECA Amendment Bill is for digital media, there is no accountability for lies and propaganda on digital media.
He said that the definition of social media has been formulated in the Amendment Act, the scope of the PECA Amendment Act is limited to digital media, the Amendment Act will not affect electronic and print media.
Also read: Social media laws stricter: PECA Act Amendment Bill passed by National Assembly The Federal Information Minister said that the legislation will provide protection to working journalists, he believes in consultation with journalist organizations, everyone including PRA, Joint Action Committee, PBA and APNS are invited to come and discuss it.
He said that why do those who earn millions from social media not pay taxes? What is the reason that extremist viewpoints that cannot be expressed anywhere go viral on social media.
Attaullah Tarar said that there is accusation and character assassination on digital media but no notice is taken, the amendment bill will promote responsible journalism, working journalists will get an opportunity to secure their livelihood. The Federal Information Minister said that self-styled journalists on social media do nothing but spread hatred.