Journalists Nationwide Protest Against PECA Amendment Bill
Journalists and media workers across Pakistan, under the leadership of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), are set to hold protests and rallies on Tuesday against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill.
The demonstrations, supported by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of journalist organizations, are aimed at challenging what they have termed a “draconian law” that suppresses freedom of expression and the press. The JAC has pledged to pursue both public and legal measures to oppose the bill.
Read More: Journalist Matiullah Jan Sent on Two-Day Physical Remand by Court
PFUJ’s Key Concerns
PFUJ President Afzal Butt strongly criticized the PECA Amendment Bill, calling it a “black law.” He urged journalists and media workers to unite in resistance. “We reject this law outright. Journalists and media workers must take to the streets in rallies and processions to stand against this injustice,” he stated.
The JAC also condemned the government for fast-tracking the bill without proper consultations, alleging it reflects malintent. Efforts are already underway to involve human rights organizations, bar councils, and other stakeholders to build a broader alliance against the legislation.
In a formal letter to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, the JAC demanded stakeholder consultations before the bill’s final approval. It is also finalizing consultations with legal experts to challenge the bill in court.
Senate Approval Amid Controversy
Despite significant opposition, the PECA Amendment Bill was approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior. Critics argued that the approval process bypassed consultations and ignored amendments proposed by JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza.
During the Senate session, PPP Senator Palwasha Khan remained silent, while opposition members and journalists staged a walkout after being denied the opportunity to voice objections.
Senator Umar Farooq defended the bill, calling it a necessary measure to combat cybercrimes. However, PTI Senator Ali Zafar condemned the amendment, describing it as “martial law plus” and a violation of constitutional rights. “This draconian law aims to suppress media and dissent,” he stated, urging the formation of a joint committee to revisit the legislation.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, on the other hand, dismissed the protests as unjustified, saying the bill was not even on the Senate’s agenda.
Implications of the PECA Amendment Bill
PTI leaders labeled the legislation as “martial law plus,” warning that it could be used to detain individuals under the pretext of combating fake news. Speaking in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar criticized the bill and announced action against party senators who voted in its favor.
“Hopefully, the judiciary will declare this law null and void,” Gohar remarked. Former Speaker Asad Qaiser echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are forming a political alliance to challenge this bill. Media and civil society will play a key role in safeguarding the rule of law.”
Unity Against Suppression
PFUJ President Afzal Butt stressed that the issue is not limited to journalists but affects democracy and freedom of speech for all citizens. He announced plans to engage human rights groups, legal experts, and civil society in the next phase of protests.
“This is not just a journalist’s issue—it is a threat to democracy and freedom of speech for everyone,” Butt declared. The nationwide protests aim to build momentum against the PECA Amendment Bill, ensuring that freedom of expression remains protected in Pakistan.
