The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced a nationwide hunger strike from February 12 to 14, intensifying its press freedom movement against the draconian Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The decision was made after extensive consultations across the country, according to PFUJ President Afzal Butt.
Butt and PFUJ Secretary General Arshad Ansari said hunger strike camps will be set up in press clubs across Pakistan, with participation from political leaders, lawyers, human rights activists, and civil society representatives. The PFUJ leadership warned the government that if the controversial law is not withdrawn, they are prepared to stage a prolonged sit-in similar to past movements for press freedom.
"We are ready to repeat history, just as we did during the press freedom struggle against General Zia-ul-Haq," said Afzal Butt. He emphasized that the PFUJ would not tolerate restrictions on free speech and independent journalism.
Ansari echoed these sentiments, reminding the government that journalists had previously held a 72-day sit-in against former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf. "If this protest fails to achieve its objective, we will call for a sit-in in front of Parliament House," he warned.
