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ISLAMABAD: Journalist bodies have announced nationwide protests today (Tuesday) against the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).
The decision to protest was made on Monday after the Senate Standing Committee on Interior hastily passed the amendments.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) as issued a statement denouncing the amendments, which were “against the spirit of the Constitution”.
The PFUJ appealed to all journalist unions to organise protests at their respective press clubs at 3pm today.
Vow to challenge amendments in court
Later, PFUJ President Afzal Butt held a news conference at the National Press Club, Islamabad, and deplored the approval granted by parliamentarians.
He claimed that Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had agreed to consult journalists over the bill. Since the chairman of the Senate’s Interior Committee was from PTI, “we hoped that he might listen to our concerns, but that too did not happen”.
The committee passed the bill in 15 minutes, which itself explains that “something is wrong”.
Mr Butt requested President Zardari not to sign the bill into law if it was approved by the Senate.
“The president must take into account our objections regarding freedom of expression,” Mr Butt said.
Mr Butt criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, a former media professional, saying the bill was his brainchild. He said the PFUJ would hold a sit-in outside the Parliament House till this black law is taken back.
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising representatives of multiple journalist bodies, has also announced its participation in PFUJ’s protest.
The JAC includes officials of PFUJ, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association.
The statement by JAC said that despite repeated requests for consultation by journalists, the bill was passed in a hurry in the National Assembly and then the Senate Standing Committee without listening to stakeholders.
This was a “clear proof of the government’s intentions and malice”.
The JAC categorically rejected the amendments and vowed a vigorous public and legal struggle against them.
It said civil society, human rights organisations, advocacy groups and other stakeholders were being consulted on this law.
The JAC expressed its intention to challenge the law in court.
The statement added that all journalist organisations included in the JAC will fully participate in PFUJ’s nationwide protest call.
Karachi Union of Journalists President Tahir Hassan Khan and General Secretary Sardar Liaquat have also called upon journalists and media workers to gather at the press club at 3pm for the protest.
Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2025
Kalbe Ali is a senior staff reporter for Dawn based in Islamabad, with nearly 20 years of field reporting experience. He covers a diverse range of topics, including the internet, IT and telecom sectors, as well as religious affairs.
