The protests saw a significant turnout of journalists, including anchors and National Press Club officials. PFUJ President Afzal Butt led the demonstration, criticizing the President’s action and stating that the spirit of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, known for her advocacy of press freedom, would be “trembling” at the signing.

Butt accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of betraying the journalistic community, highlighting a perceived broken promise regarding press freedom. He announced plans for a nationwide “black day” of protest, including the flying of black flags at press clubs and the wearing of black armbands by anchors during their broadcasts.

Butt further criticized the government’s handling of the bill, stating that the President could have returned the bill with objections. He emphasized that the PFUJ would highlight the clauses they believe violate constitutional rights and freedoms.

Rana Azeem, Secretary General of the PFUJ, echoed these concerns, arguing that the PECA amendment unduly restricts all media, not just social media, and hinders the exposure of wrongdoing. He acknowledged the existence of fake news and online harassment but stressed the need for a more nuanced approach than the sweeping restrictions imposed by the new law.

Asif Bashir Chaudhry, a prominent journalist, criticized the lack of parliamentary oversight in the establishment of the four bodies created under the new law, highlighting concerns about potential government influence in their composition and operation. While acknowledging the need for social media regulation, he expressed strong reservations about the PECA amendment’s current form.

Adding to the controversy, the Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) expressed disappointment with the President’s decision, claiming that President Alvi had assured them he would not sign the bill. Senator Kamran Murtaza of the JUI-F reported that a conversation took place between President Alvi and Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, where a delay was supposedly discussed. The PRA criticized the President’s swift action, stating that it created unnecessary anxiety within the journalistic community.

In contrast, Tariq Virk, President of the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), stated that his organization had actively worked for the bill’s passage, citing support from various political parties including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and PPP. Virk expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation with journalists before the bill’s passage.

The protests underscore deep concerns within Pakistan’s journalistic community about the implications of the PECA amendment for press freedom and the potential for censorship and intimidation. The demonstrations are expected to continue as journalists demand a reconsideration of the amended law.