PECA Law Suppresses Democratic Voices, Must Be Repealed: Nawabzada Haji Lashkari Raisani
Islamabad:Senior politician and former senator Nawabzada Haji Mir Lashkari Khan Raisani has strongly criticized the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), stating that it is being used to suppress democratic and constitutional voices in Pakistan. He urged political parties and the legal community to actively work for the repeal of the controversial law.
He expressed these views while addressing a reception held in his honor during a visit to the **National Press Club (NPC)** in Islamabad. On his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary General Nayyar Ali, and RIUJ President Tariq Work, who presented him with bouquets.
During his speech, Nawabzada Raisani asserted that **democratic and political processes in the country are under constant restriction**, and that PECA is a blatant tool to curb press freedom. He called on political parties to include the **abolition of PECA** in their manifestos, and appealed to lawyers to raise their voices and play an active role in repealing the law.
He emphasized that PECA is being misused to silence dissent and restrict the free flow of information, which is a direct threat to democracy and freedom of speech.
At the event, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary General Nayyar Ali, RIUJ President Tariq Work, and former Secretary General Bilal Dar lauded Raisani’s long-standing support for press freedom and democracy. They described him as a true companion in the struggle for journalists’ rights, stating that the National Press Club is like a second home to him.
They also praised Nawabzada Raisani for launching a **”Book Lovers Movement”** in Balochistan, promoting education as a key to transforming the province’s future. Raisani’s efforts to encourage learning and literacy in the region were highlighted as a beacon of hope for youth empowerment and social progress.
The gathering concluded with a collective call for greater unity among journalists, politicians, and civil society to safeguard constitutional rights, uphold democracy, and resist authoritarian legislation like PECA.
