QUETTA: Marking World Press Freedom Day, the journalist community in Quetta on Sunday renewed its commitment to defending media independence, vowing to continue its struggle for freedom of expression and reject “black laws” curbing press rights.

A large number of journalists gathered outside the Quetta Press Club at the call of the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ). Carrying banners and placards inscribed with their demands, participants raised slogans against restrictive legislation, particularly the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), and other measures that undermine press freedom.

Civil society activists also joined the demonstration, expressing solidarity with the media fraternity.

Speaking at the gathering, BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed Rind, Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Assistant Secretary Noor Elahi Bugti, BUJ General Secretary Shah Hussain Tareen, and civil society activist Bahram Lehri highlighted the persistent challenges faced by journalists in Balochistan.

Speakers pay tribute to more than 50 journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty

They noted that despite threats from both state and non-state actors, journalists in the province have continued to fulfil their professional responsibilities without compromising on truth.

The speakers paid tribute to more than 50 journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, emphasising that their sacrifices underscore the high stakes of independent journalism in the region.

They stressed that the prevailing security situation, coupled with restrictive legislation like Peca, has created an increasingly difficult environment for media professionals.

Criticising the law, speakers argued that while journalist organisations themselves are committed to combating fake news and disinformation, such legislation is often used as a pretext to suppress dissent and silence factual reporting.

They said that restrictions on media have intensified even under democratic governments, surpassing those seen during past authoritarian regimes.

The protestors demanded the immediate withdrawal or review of Peca in consultation with stakeholders, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and other media organisations. They also called for an end to all restrictions on press freedom and urged authorities to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists.

Among other demands, participants highlighted the closure of bureau offices of television channels and newspapers in Quetta, calling for their immediate restoration.

They further urged reinstatement of journalists and media workers who had lost their jobs, along with guarantees for job security and timely payment of their salaries.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Governor Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail reaffirmed his support for press freedom in a statement to mark the occasion.

He described freedom of expression as a constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy, likening it to “oxygen” essential for the survival of democratic systems.

The governor said that a fair and informed society cannot exist without free journalism. While acknowledging that the digital age has expanded access to information, he cautioned that it has also increased the spread of unverified content.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026