ISLAMABAD – A Senate body chairman, Sarmad Ali, expressed concern over the absence of the director general of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) during a meeting related to issuing notices to newspaper writers.
During the session, the committee questioned why the NCCIA was issuing notices to individuals for writing columns in newspapers.
The chairman said issuing notices to newspaper writers was not within the agency’s authority. The committee directed the NCCIA to refrain from harassing people who contribute articles or columns to newspapers, stating that the agency had no such mandate.
Officials of the NCCIA were not present at the committee meeting, where members discussed concerns regarding the agency’s actions related to newspaper content and writers.
Journalists and media organizations continue to oppose the controversial bill, and notices issued arguing that it threatens press freedom and freedom of expression.
Their primary concern is that the government introduced the amendments without consulting media stakeholders, and arguing that several provisions are not clearly defined, empowering authorities to interpret the law broadly and potentially criminalize legitimate reporting and criticism.
Media groups fear expanded protection of state institutions could be used to silence dissent, particularly criticism of ruling elites. They are also concerned that new registration requirements and regulatory powers could extend to journalists’ personal social media accounts, limiting their ability to report independently and engage with audiences.
