ISLAMABAD: Journalists across Pakistan lau­nched protests on Tues­day against the controversial Prev­e­ntion of Elec­tronic Crimes (Am­­endment) Bill 2025 after it sailed through the Senate.

Demonstrations were organised by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in collaboration with regional journalist unions, demanding the repeal of what they termed a “black law” aimed at curbing press freedom.

In Islamabad, journalists marched from the National Press Club to D-Chowk, overcoming police barricades despite heavy restrictions. The protest was jointly organised by the PFUJ and the Rawalpindi-Islam­abad Union of Journalists (RIUJ).

PFUJ President Afzal Butt criticised the government for passing the amendments without consultation, calling Peca 2025 “a black law” designed to stifle free speech.

Addressing protesters, Mr Butt stated, “We reject this law and will go to any extent to protect press freedom.” He stressed that the protesters could have jumped the gate leading to parliament, but were exercising restraint. He demanded that President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif convince their respective parties to reconsider this law and change the opinion of their members in parliament. He said President Zardari was expected to meet the Joint Action Committee before signing this bill into law and hoped he would consider the journalists’ concerns.

In Karachi, the joint action committee of media bodies held a protest demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club.

Speaking on the occasion, KUJ le­­ader Imtiaz Khan Faran questioned why the government had not enga­ged media bodies regarding these changes, and labeled the law a conspiracy against working journalists.

Azhar Abbas of Geo News critici­sed those who had drafted PECA in 2016, asserting that it had been wea­ponized against political opponents. He called for unity among media organisations to demonstrate collective strength to the government.

Lahore, Quetta protests

In Lahore, a large number of journalists gathered outside the Lahore Press Club to denounce the legislation. PFUJ Secretary General Arshad Ansari accused the government of attempting to strangle press freedom, warning, “The media has the power to make or break politicians. If you come for our throats, we will come for yours.”

Mr Ansari announced plans to cha­­llenge the law in court. He criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naq­vi for being preoccupied with forei­gn engagements. He also condemned the Senate Standing Committee on Interior chairman, Faisal Rehman, for hastily approving the bill. “What emergency has arisen in the country that you feel the need to strangle journalism and suppress press freedom?” he asked.

Also, the Multan Union of Jour­na­lists staged protest outside the press club, seeking repeal of the changes. HRCP activists also joined the protest. Similar protests were staged in Ba­­h­­awalpur and Faisalabad.

In Quetta, a protest demonstration was organised by the Baloch­istan Union of Journalists outside the press club, where representatives of journalists criticised the government, terming that the bill a “direct attack on press freedom and public’s right to information”. They asked the government to define “fake news” clearly.

Kalbe Ali in Islamabad, Imran Gabol in Lahore and Saleem Shahid in Quetta contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025