Journalists and media workers across Pakistan, under the leadership of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), are all set to stage protests and rallies on Tuesday against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act Amendment Bill.
The nationwide demonstrations, supported by the Joint Action Committee of journalist organisations, are aimed at opposing what they have labelled a “draconian law” designed to suppress freedom of expression and press. The JAC has vowed to wage a vigorous public and legal struggle against the controversial bill.
Key concerns of journalists
PFUJ President Afzal Butt, addressing journalists, declared the PECA Amendment Bill a "black law" and announced the launch of a vigorous nationwide movement against it. "We reject this law outright. Journalists and media workers must unite and stand against this injustice by taking out rallies and processions," Butt stated.
The Joint Action Committee also criticised the government for rushing the bill's approval, calling it evidence of malintent. The committee says it has begun consultations with human rights groups, bar councils, and other stakeholders to build a broader alliance against the legislation.
The JAC has also written a letter to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior on the controversial bill, demanding consultation with stakeholders before its approval. It says consultations with legal experts are being finalised to challenge the amendment bill in court.
Senate approves amid controversy
The PECA Amendment Bill, aimed at combating cybercrimes, was recently approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior despite strong opposition. Critics argued that the government bypassed consultation with stakeholders and ignored amendments proposed by JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza.
PPP Senator Palwasha Khan remained silent during the session, while opposition members staged a protest when the standing committee report on the bill was presented in the Senate. Journalists also walked out of the press gallery, as did the opposition members for not being allowed to speak on the point of objection.
After the approval of the bill from the standing committee, a report was presented in the Senate. Senator Umar Farooq said the committee approved the bill by a majority vote, adding the PECA Amendment Bill 2025 was an attempt to deal with cybercrimes.
Senator Ali Zafar of PTI labelled the amendment as "martial law plus" and said attacks on freedom of expression were unacceptable under any circumstances.
"This is a draconian law that violates constitutional rights. The government is trying to bulldoze this legislation to suppress media and dissent," he remarked. "This is a completely wrong amendment. We will stand with civil society. The government should form a joint committee on this again."
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar said protesting over something that is not even part of the agenda is beyond comprehension.
Implications of PECA Bill
PTI leaders declared the current wave of legislation “martial law plus”. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar warned that now anyone could be picked up under the guise of fake news. While talking to the media in Islamabad, he said the PTI rejected the PECA law, and announced action against party senators that voted in the law’s favour.
“Hopefully, the judiciary will declare this law null and void,” Gohar remarked.
Asad Qaiser stated, "We are forming a political alliance to challenge this bill. Media and civil society will be key partners in this effort to uphold the rule of law. The only aim of this law is to suppress the media and social media."
Calls for Unity and Resistance
Afzal Butt announced that PFUJ would involve human rights groups, legal experts, and civil society in the next phase of the protest. "This is not just a journalist's issue but a threat to democracy and freedom of speech for all citizens," he emphasized.
