The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) called for the immediate withdrawal of a notice issued to Daily Nai Baat by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), criticising it as an inappropriate use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) against print media. APNS leaders argue that this action undermines press freedom.

APNS President Senator Sarmad Ali and Secretary General Muhammad Athar Kazi stated that the notice was triggered by a complaint from the Pakistan Administrative Service Association regarding a phrase used in a newspaper column which used the phrase “bureau corrupts”. They described the issuance of the notice as a direct challenge to public discourse and an encroachment on journalistic independence.

The APNS emphasised that Peca was originally enacted to combat cybercrime and digital offences, not print journalism and extending its scope to newspapers was beyond the NCCIA’s jurisdiction. They stressed that any complaints against newspapers should be addressed by the Press Council of Pakistan, the proper regulatory body for print media, rather than by cybercrime authorities.

In their statement, APNS officials expressed concern that such measures could foster a climate of intimidation and self-censorship among journalists, which would harm democratic accountability. They also mentioned that using PECA in this context sets a dangerous precedent.

APNS urged the government to respect and uphold the constitutional protection of freedom of expression as outlined in Article 19 of the Constitution. It expressed solidarity with Daily Nai Baat and its staff.