Journalists Across Pakistan Observe ‘Black Day’ to Protest PECA Amendments 2025 | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Journalists Across Pakistan Observe ‘Black Day’ to Protest PECA Amendments 2025

Pakistan Press Foundation

On January 31, journalists across Pakistan staged widespread protests against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Act 2025 and observed a “black day.” The protests were held in all provinces of the country.

On January 29, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the PECA Amendment Bill 2025 into law despite widespread backlash from political parties, journalist bodies, and human rights organizations.

Islamabad

At the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad, journalists gathered and chanted slogans such as “reject PECA” and “say no restrictions on press freedom.” PFUJ President Afzal Butt addressed the protesters, thanking them for their overwhelming support and called for further expanding the protests.

“If you think the voice of press freedom has become weak, then you should look at our history, ” warned Butt.

“For us, it is a fight of now or never,” he said, warning that there would be locks on cameras and pens if the law was accepted.

Karachi

In Karachi, the Karachi Union of Journalists led a demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club, hoisting a black flag. Journalists wore black armbands and marched to show solidarity.

Lahore

Similarly, in Lahore, PFUJ Secretary General Arshad Ansari confirmed their movement would continue until the law was abolished. Ansari also announced plans to march towards the Senate, National Assembly, and Islamabad High Court.

Peshawar: 

Journalists across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, led by the Khyber Union of Journalists, criticized the quick passing of the PECA amendment, calling it a government attempt to silence criticism under the excuse of fighting ‘fake news’. The union’s president, Kashifuddin Syed, declared at the event, “We will never accept these amendments under any circumstances.”

 

Photo: LAHORE, PAKISTAN, JAN 28: Members of Media Workers Organizations are holding protest
demonstration against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (PECA) Amendment Bill, arranged
by Punjab Union of Journalists, held at Lahore press club on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
(Babar Shah/PPI Images). 


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