PTI leaders oppose Digital Nation Pakistan Bill over civil rights concerns

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders have strongly criticized the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, claiming it undermines constitutional rights and sets a dangerous precedent for surveillance and control.Speaking to the media, opposition leader Omar Ayub warned that the bill could target those advocating for constitutional supremacy.Ayub highlighted the PTI’s protests against the bill in parliament, asserting that the government has failed to address key opposition concerns.The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill includes provisions granting authorities extensive access to citizens’ data.Ayub alleged that the government is using the bill to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms under the guise of regulation.”This is an attack on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said.Barrister Gohar, another PTI leader, condemned the hasty legislative process, pointing out that several laws were passed in less than 10 minutes during a mere 88 parliamentary sessions in the past year. “This is the shortest law-making timeframe in history,” he claimed.PTI leaders also voiced concerns over alleged judicial pressures and mistreatment of detained party workers.”The government promised to arrange a meeting with PTI’s founder but has yet to fulfill its commitment,” Ayub said.He also reiterated the party’s demand for the formation of an impartial commission to oversee critical matters.Aamir Dogar noted that 700 protesters were recently transferred under inhumane conditions, with 500 detainees packed into vans designed for far fewer.He demanded adherence to jail protocols for over 3,000 PTI supporters currently in custody.Former minister Ali Muhammad Khan accused the judiciary of delivering politically motivated verdicts.Referring to the sentencing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said, “Judges who avoid minor theft cases are passing judgments on national leaders.”The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, along with allegations of judicial bias and poor governance, has intensified public dissatisfaction.PTI leaders warned of worsening political tensions unless transparency and constitutional safeguards are prioritized.