Aaj English TV

Tuesday, February 18, 2025  
19 Shaban 1446  

Journalists protest controversial amendment to PECA Act across Pakistan

Various journalistic organizations issued separate statements condemning the amendment

Nationwide protests erupted across Pakistan on Monday, as journalists rallied against a controversial amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The amendment, passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate, has sparked widespread condemnation from journalists and civil society groups who view it as a severe blow to freedom of speech and the press.

The protests, called for by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), saw large gatherings outside press clubs in major cities including Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. Journalists carried banners and placards denouncing the amendment, vowing to continue their demonstrations until the bill is repealed.

The Senate’s approval of the amendment followed its passage in the National Assembly on Thursday. The swift passage led to angry reactions from opposition members of parliament, who tore up copies of the agenda during protests. Journalists staged a walkout from the press gallery in protest.

Prior to its passage in the Senate, the bill was referred to a standing committee by the Senate chairman. Various journalistic organizations issued separate statements condemning the amendment. The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing groups including the PFUJ and the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), released a joint statement strongly criticizing the changes.

Protestors across the country denounced the amendment as an attack on press freedom. In Karachi, the demonstration drew a large crowd of journalists, as well as representatives from civil society, labor unions, lawyers, and political parties. Similar protests took place in Lahore, outside the Punjab Assembly, with participation from the Punjab Union of Journalists and other organizations. Protesters in Lahore also claimed the amendment was passed illegally.

Protests also occurred outside the National Press Club in Islamabad, where speakers criticized the amendment for tightening cybercrime laws and argued that it could be used to stifle criticism of the government. Journalists in smaller cities, including Quetta, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur, also participated in demonstrations. Across the board, the amendment was condemned as an assault on freedom of the press. The journalists are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the bill.