Pakistan, Feb. 1 -- If Parliament passes the 26th Amendment, critics argue that the independence of the judiciary is threatened. If it passes the PECA, they lament that the freedom of the media is at stake. Ah yes, this winter offers less rain and more fun.

If the critics truly believe that Parliament is legislating with malice and that its actions are consistently wrong, one might question the necessity and utility of this Parliament at all. Why not elevate the Bar Associations to the Lower House and the Press Clubs to the Upper House?

While freedom of expression is an essential right that should be protected, it raises the question: does this imply a license to spread falsehoods? If fake news is not subject to penalties, should it the...