Journalists demand repeal of amended Peca

ISLAMABAD: On the call of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), journalists across Pakistan set up hunger strike camps against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), a law they term as a blatant attempt to curb press freedom.

The strike, organized by the PFUJ, is being observed nationwide, with the central protest camp set up in front of the National Press Club, Islamabad. The three-day camp will culminate today, (Friday), with a symbolic hunger strike camp and ‘Freedom of Expression Rally,’ to demonstrate the unity and resilience of journalist community against the Parliament’s approval of the Peca Act without holding the due consultations with stakeholders.

For two days, the camp has drawn an overwhelming response, with journalists, press club representatives, and media workers gathered to voice their opposition to what they call a “Black Law.”

Among the prominent leaders present were PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Tariq Ali Virk, RIUJ General Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, former PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi, President National Press Club Azhar Jatoi, Secretary NPC Nayyar Ali, former secretary PFUJ Fauzia Shahid and a host of senior journalists, anchor persons and press freedom advocates.

Speaking at the protest camp, Afzal Butt denounced the Peca amendment, arguing that it is being weaponized to silence dissent under the guise of controlling fake news. “If the government had no malice, then why did it bypass consultation with stakeholders?” he questioned. He reiterated that while journalists stand against misinformation, the government’s move to impose vague and oppressive regulations without dialogue is a direct attack on democratic values and freedom of expression. Elaborating upon the past struggle of PFUJ against oppressive laws and governments, he said, “The PFUJ has fought against dictatorship before, and today we are standing strong against this draconian law. The press freedom movement has begun, and we are ready to make any sacrifice for the right to free speech.”

Regarding the future course of action, Afzal Butt stated that on the third day of the hunger strike, rallies will be held nationwide, during which the next steps will be announced. “If the government fails to meet our demands, PFUJ delegations from across the country will converge in Islamabad for a decisive sit-in outside the Parliament House, which will continue until our demands are met.”

Former PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi highlighted the broader implications of the Peca, stating that it has tarnished Pakistan’s image globally. “Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. The rulers believe they can silence us with oppressive laws, but they are mistaken. The press has resisted every such attempt, and it will continue to do so.” The legendry journalist said that the Peca is equal to “Media Martial Law.” He urged people from all sections of the society to join the movement so that a strong message could be sent to the powerful and the decision makers.

Former PFUJ secretary Fauzia Shahid asserted that journalists have always defended their rights and will continue to do so. She emphasized that the Peca Act is even more oppressive than the Press and Publications Ordinance (PPO), calling it a grave threat to press freedom.

President Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists Tariq Ali Virk echoed these sentiments, asserting that the government has historically sought to silence the press, but journalists have always fought back. “We have fought against oppressive regimes before, and we will not bow down now. We will continue our struggle until this law is withdrawn,” he said.

The sentiment was shared by National Press Club President Azhar Jatoi, who called Peca “a stain on democracy.” He warned that the journalist community’s patience was running out, urging the government to repeal the law before the situation escalates. “Freedom of speech strengthens the state, not weakens it. If this law is not revoked, we will be forced to take even stronger action,” he warned.