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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
