The journalist community, comprising press clubs of various cities and journalist bodies across the country, staged protests in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and several other cities against amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
In Islamabad, the police had blocked the route at D-Chowk by placing barbed wires and arrested a few protesting journalists.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists chapters, along with Punjab Union of Journalists, National Press Club, Lahore Press Club, Karachi Press Club, Peshawar Press Club, and several press associations across Pakistan, took to the streets against the controversial amendments that they alleged were aimed at muting freedom of speech.
Journalists in Lakki Marwat, Chishtian, Karak, Sanghar, Khairpur, Dadu, Multan, Okara, Kohat, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Thatha, Jhang and other cities also held rallies and processions demanding the government withdraw the controversial amendments to the law.
Lahore
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General Arshad Ansari addressed a protest against the controversial amendments to the PECA, raising serious concerns over the bill’s approval process and its impact on press freedom.
During his speech, Arshad Ansari criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for being unaware of the country’s pressing issues due to his foreign engagements. “The interior minister is busy meeting members of Congress abroad, claiming to talk about Pakistan, while critical decisions affecting press freedom are being made at home,” he stated.
Ansari emphasized that the bill, overseen by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of IT, was approved without proper consultation with the Ministry of Information. “The Ministry of Information engaged with us, but the Interior Ministry and IT Ministry pushed this bill forward without considering our input,” he said.
Questioning the urgency behind the amendments, Ansari asked, “What emergency has arisen in the country that you feel the need to strangle journalism and suppress press freedom?”
Speaking to the media after the protest at Charing Cross, Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar said the controversial law should not have been passed as it has. "As per the law, one has to approach the Supreme Court for any relief," he added.
The PFUJ and journalist bodies vowed to continue their struggle against the amendments, demanding their withdrawal and calling for broader consultations with stakeholders to protect the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Later in the day, they concluded their protest.
Karachi
During the protest outside the Karachi Press Club, participants raised slogans rejecting the law. The demonstration was attended by members of KUJ, AEMEND, PBA, CPNE, APNS, lawyers, teachers, human rights activists, and civil society.
The participants stated that they were not against legislation but believed in taking all stakeholders into confidence before enacting legislation on any issue, including freedom of the press. However, they lamented that the government invited them for talks at a short notice of just an hour and then, at lightning speed, got the PECA Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly, which clearly showed the government's malice.
They further said they would take every possible step, including legal action and protest, to prevent the implementation of the law.
Islamabad
Journalists in the capital staged a protest rally from the National Press Club to D-Chowk, voicing strong opposition to the controversial amendments to PECA. The protesters demanded that all stakeholders be consulted before the law is passed, emphasizing the need for transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process.
Journalists marched towards Parliament House to express their concerns. However, upon reaching D-Chowk, police blocked their path by erecting barbed wires, leading to a scuffle between the protesters and law enforcement. Journalists attempted to proceed towards Parliament House but were unable to move beyond D-Chowk due to the roadblock.
During the protest, journalists chained themselves as a symbolic gesture of resistance and raised slogans against the PECA Amendment Bill. Representatives from the journalist community reiterated their stance, stating, "The signing of the controversial PECA Act should be stopped, and all stakeholders must be consulted first."
PFUJ President Afzal Butt addressed the protesters, saying they contacted the authorities, offering consultation on the PECA Act. "Perhaps the government is in a state of panic. A democratic government invites stakeholders."
Quetta
On the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, the Balochistan Union of Journalists held a protest outside the Quetta Press Club where they declared the controversial PECA Act a black law. Union leaders said the parties that supported democracy passed a black law against freedom of the press.
In Sindh's Kotri, journalists wore black armbands while protesting at the press club, and raised slogans against the bill. They stated that PECA was an attack on freedom of expression. The journalists in Multan, led by MUJ President Rauf Mann, stressed that media workers could not be targeted under the guise of fake news.
Senior journalist, Irfan Arain from Hyderabad, said today was the darkest day against freedom of expression in Pakistan. "This law will be used as a weapon against journalists and other sections of society," he remarked, adding that the silence of a political party like the PPP was beyond comprehension.
JI condemns Senate’s approval of Act
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly condemned the Senate's approval of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) amendments, calling it an attack on freedom of expression. Speaking to the media, he declared, "We reject this act. No restrictions can be placed on freedom of speech."
Hafiz Naeem criticized the government for undermining democratic principles. "The entire democratic process has been held hostage," he said, further accusing the ruling coalition of making flawed decisions. "This is a 'Form 47' government, known for its wrongful choices," he added.
He emphasized that suppressing dissent through such laws is unacceptable. "No law that aims to silence every voice will be tolerated," he said. Hafiz Naeem also highlighted that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government has been passing controversial legislation at both provincial and national levels.
"We stand against this bill and fully support journalist organizations in their struggle," Hafiz Naeem reaffirmed, pledging solidarity with the media's fight for press freedom and democratic rights.
