Senate Panel Directs NCCIA Not to Take Action Against Newspapers and TV Channels

ISLAMABAD: A subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) not to initiate action against newspapers, their websites, digital editions, or television channels over published or broadcast news content.

The meeting, chaired by Subcommittee Convener Senator Sarmad Ali, emphasized that complaints relating to print newspapers and their digital editions fall under the jurisdiction of the Press Council of Pakistan (PCP), while matters concerning electronic media and television channels are the responsibility of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Senator Sarmad Ali said the committee had instructed the NCCIA to refrain from taking action against traditional media organizations, reiterating assurances previously given by the government during the passage of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) that the law would not be used against conventional media outlets or their digital platforms.

The committee also advised the complainant, referred to as the “PAS Group,” to pursue its complaint through the Press Council of Pakistan.

During the meeting, members discussed a controversy over the use of the term “bureaucrapt” in a newspaper column referring to bureaucrats, as well as concerns regarding ambiguity in social media regulations.

NCCIA officials informed the committee that the newspaper had removed the disputed column from its print and online editions, although the content continued to circulate on social media.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid said that once the newspaper had removed the column, it had effectively acknowledged the issue, and therefore the matter should be considered closed. He argued that there was no justification for further criminal proceedings or action under the PECA law against the newspaper or the journalist.

The meeting also discussed the financial challenges facing regional media. Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi highlighted the economic difficulties confronting regional newspapers in Balochistan and Sindh, saying they were facing severe financial hardship. He urged the government to increase official advertising and business opportunities for regional newspapers to support their sustainability.