Faisal calls for withdrawal of proposed legal amendments to impose heavy fines on media outlets reporting black market USD rates

Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has called for the withdrawal of proposed legislative amendments that would impose heavy fines on media outlets reporting on black market dollar rates.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Faisal stated that citizens have a fundamental right to be informed about major societal crimes, as well as acts of corruption, bribery, and graft within the state. He further emphasized that the public deserves to know when those in power exploit their positions for illicit gain. Faisal also asserted that it is the people's right to be aware of the government's incompetence, which has led to the collapse of the state's financial system and caused foreign exchange rates to soar beyond affordable levels.

Highlighting that freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to information are fundamental rights explicitly guaranteed by the Constitution, Faisal stated that the infringement of such rights is prohibited under Article 16. He further noted that since any bill passed by the government’s parliamentary majority becomes law, it is essential to carefully consider the potential impact and consequences such legislation may have on the rest of the citizenry.

Faisal also stated that he strongly condemns the government's systematic efforts to undermine the fundamental principles upheld in free democratic societies by exerting undue influence over Members of Parliament.

Furthermore, Faisal stated that such actions illustrate the erosion of the nation’s core identity and the disintegration of its national spirit. He added that this further demonstrates that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is willing to resort to any measure to cling to power and defend its rule.