Journalists stage rally against Peca in Shangla

ALPURI: The journalists in Shangla district on Saturday staged a protest against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca).

The journalists also hoisted black flags on the Shangla Press Club building, asking the government to reconsider the law.

Led by Shangla Press Club president Aftab Hussain, Vice-President of the Union of Journalists Muhammad Yunus, and other key members, including Sabir Hussain Shah and Iftikhar Hussain. The participants unanimously rejected the Peca law, claiming that it violates the fundamental rights of journalists and restricts freedom of expression.

The protesters said that the government, by enacting this law, was attempting to silence journalists and curb the freedom of press. They emphasized that while countries around the world are embracing freedom of expression and critical discourse, Pakistan is moving in the opposite direction by imposing restrictions on free speech.

The protesters voiced their concerns over the law, calling it a direct infringement on public rights. They demanded that the government either repeal the law or make necessary amendments to protect citizens’ rights and ensure public welfare.