QUETTA: A media convention held in the provincial capital rejected oppressive laws, including the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), that impose restrictions on media freedom.
The convention, organised by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and the Balochistan Union of Journalists, was attended by journalists, political leaders, and civil society members.
On the occasion, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Secretary General Arshad Ansari, BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed Rind, and Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed agreed that there was a need to improve the Peca and other media laws. They added that they are actively campaigning for reforms in these laws under a nationwide campaign to incorporate input from political parties, NGOs, and civil society.
After consultations, a draft with recommendations would be submitted to parliament and the government. The aim is for the government, in consultations with journalists and other stakeholders, to improve these laws.
The speaker also highlighted the importance of journalists’ protection in Balochistan and the redress of their financial issues.
Journalists highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in Balochistan, including the killing of 40 journalists and media workers in the line of duty. They stated that press freedom movements were necessary when the public’s voice was suppressed.
CM’s aide Shahid Rind stated that the BUJ has invited the government to review their draft of a protection bill for media workers so that consultations could move forward.
He highlighted that the government had taken steps to address journalists’ welfare and other issues in Balochistan after coming to power, in collaboration with senior journalists.
He said that solutions to these challenges should be achieved through dialogue rather than through introducing new laws, adding that journalists must embrace modern technology, merit, and transparency to fulfil professional responsibilities.
Political party leaders, including Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal, Rashid Nasir, Alam Khan Kakar, Fida Hussain, Alaauddin Khan Khilji, Rahib Khan Buledi, Sana Durrani, and Sakina Abdullah, praised the PFUJ, the BUJ, and the Quetta Press Club for taking a stand against Peca and assured full support. They also submitted their parties’ suggestions for amendments to the law.
Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2026
