KARACHI: The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) on Tuesday demanded the “immediate withdrawal” of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2025 amendment bill, terming it an assault on the right to free expression.

In a statement, the KBA condemned the Senate’s approval of the amendments and called for the withdrawal of both the Peca 2025 bill and the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

The association warned that failure to address their concerns would further “erode public trust in state institutions, deepen societal polarisation, and accelerate the disintegration of Pakistan’s democratic fabric.”

“The Peca 2025 amendments, designed to stifle independent media and curtail the constitutional rights enshrined in Articles 19 and 19 A of the Constitution of Pakistan, pose a grave threat to the democratic framework of the state,” the association said.

It added that the current amendments in the Peca 2025, would be further exacerbated by the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which allegedly undermines judicial independence.

“Both measures were implemented without engaging critical stakeholders, including the judiciary, the legal fraternity and civil society, reflecting the regime’s intent to erode constitutional safeguards, weaken institutional checks and balances, and consolidate unchecked power,” the KBA pointed out.

The association rejected the “unconstitutional measures” and termed it as part of a “systematic campaign” to dismantle the independence of the institutions, silence dissent and suppress accountability.

“A free press and an independent judiciary are indispensable to protect citizens’ rights and ensure that the government remains accountable. The weakening of these pillars jeopardises Pakistan’s democratic structure and destabilises the nation,” the statement said.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025