LAHORE: The Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday rejected the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) (PECA) Bill, 2025 with its Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman called the passage of such legislation without consultation of stakeholders, an attempt to curb the freedom of expression.
“Everyone has to join hands to address the fake news issue, but this should not be used as an alibi to curtail the freedom of expression” Hafiz Naeem emphasized.
During a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI chief expressed his opposition to the Peca Act, asserting that it violates fundamental rights.
He also announced its plan to take to the streets against rising electricity prices, saying that the party would stage a countrywide protest against the issue of the IPPs on January 31.
He warned the government that if electricity bills are not reduced, the party will launch a larger, more powerful movement.
Hafiz Naeem demanded a review of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), questioning why the public and industries have not benefitted from the termination of agreements with five IPPs. “Our single agenda is to lower electricity bills,” he emphasised.
Rejecting the recent salary hike for parliamentarians, Hafiz Naeem criticised the government, saying, “They increased their salaries but did nothing for the people. In the current economic crisis, this decision is unjustified.”
He also criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for stepping back on the election issue, stating that while the PTI had all Form 45s, its demand for fresh elections only gave relief to the government.
Hafiz Naeem also called Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s demand for new elections incorrect.
