Activism against E-Crime Bill 2007 continues
September 11, 2007 at 7:35 am 5 comments
For the second time this week, concerned techies, photographers, writers, teachers, designers, business people, doctors and journalists got together at T2F to discuss the proposed E-Crime Bill that will become law if we let the National Assembly pass it. It has already been passed through the Cabinet and approved by the Ministry of Law (the graphic on the left is borrowed from Teeth Maestro’s blog – i think we should use it for our campaign Awab).
Barrister Zahid Jamil was present yet again to explain the different parts of the proposed Bill and how it did not conform with internationally accepted definitions or law. Those present asked how it would impact on them as individuals, as professionals, as bloggers, as users of electronic communications. Zahid patiently answered all the questions in layman’s terms so that the legalese didn’t take away from what this Bill actually meant.
A decision was made to continue the awareness and activism activities until the powers that be re-visit the Bill and re-draft it to incorporate the correct definitions and to provide the balance that is needed to protect the rights of all individuals and companies who use all kinds of electronic gadgets from mobile phones to computer equipment.
Adnan Haider had his first taste of the Bill at T2F at the first session, and was scared out of his wits, as were the rest of us. Some recordings were made highlighting the main elements of the Bill. These will be put up in clips on YouTube so that an understanding is developed as to what the Bill actually means for various individuals.
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In the Line of Wire 
1.
Faraz Yusufi | September 11, 2007 at 7:38 pm
will P@SHA every be able to exert any kind of influence on technology regulation? Pakistan is already struggling as it is in free speech and freedom of expression, this bill’s only target would be citizen journalists and by association knowledge workers, we don’t need to add more hurdles to an already complex maze of Pakistani bureaucracy.
P@SHA needs to hire some professional lobbyists or at least get some folks trained. (they should watch the movie ‘Thankyou for Smoking’ P@SHA needs some one like Nick Naylor.
2.
Jehan | September 11, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Certainly lobbying is something that needs to be the strong-point of any trade association. However, remembering that P@SHA is actually run by a group of volunteers who run their own companies is very important.
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes that many people are unaware of. For instance the quashing of the Data Protection Act which would have been disastrous for companies who do business with the US, was due to P@SHA’s efforts and Barrister Zahid Jamil’s efforts (Zahid is P@SHA’s legal counsel).
Similarly, State Bank of Pakistan is at present working on changing certain fiscal regulation that will ease the ability of IT companies to raise finance. This was due to intense lobbying by P@SHA.
I agree with you that stronger lobbying efforts are required. I shall pass on your suggestion to the current Central Executive Committee.
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4. Olga | December 7, 2007 at 4:01 am
Olga
I just wanted to write to say that you have a great site and a wonderful resource for all to share.
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