Nationwide journalist protests erupt against 'draconian' Peca Act
Islamabad journalists' protest rally reaches D-Chowk
The journalist community comprising press clubs of various cities and journalist bodies across the country staged protests in the capital metropolis Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and the capital Islamabad against Peca Act amendments.
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have blocked the route at D-Chowk by placing barbed wires and arrested a few protesting journalists in Islamabad.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists chapters along with Punjab Union of Journalists, National Press Club, Lahore Press Club, Karachi Press Club, and Peshawar Press Club, and several press associations across Pakistan took to the streets against the Peca Act amendments that aim to mute freedom of speech.
The journalists in Lakki Marwat, Chistian, Karak, Shangar, Khairpur, Dadu, Multan, Okara, Kohar, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Thatha and in other cities took to the streets and staged protests demanding the government to take back the controversial amendments that aim to suffocate the freedom of the press in Pakistan.
Lahore Protest
Secretary General of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Arshad Ansari, addressed a protest against the controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), raising serious concerns over the bill’s approval process and its impact on press freedom.
During his speech, Arshad Ansari criticized Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for being unaware of the country’s pressing issues due to his foreign engagements. “The interior minister is busy meeting members of Congress abroad, claiming to talk about Pakistan, while critical decisions affecting press freedom are being made at home,” he stated.
Ansari emphasized that the bill, overseen by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of IT, was approved without proper consultation with the Ministry of Information. “The Ministry of Information engaged with us, but the Interior Ministry and IT Ministry pushed this bill forward without considering our input,” he said.
He also condemned the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, Faisal Rehman, for hastily approving the bill. Referring to remarks made by Senator Palwasha Khan, Ansari revealed, “She said they were ordered to pass this bill within 15 minutes.”
Questioning the urgency behind the amendments, Ansari asked, “What emergency has arisen in the country that you feel the need to strangle journalism and suppress press freedom?”
The PFUJ and journalist bodies have vowed to continue their struggle against the Peca amendments, demanding their withdrawal and calling for broader consultations with stakeholders to protect the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
JI condemns Senate’s approval of controversial Act
Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has strongly condemned the Senate's approval of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) amendments, calling it an attack on freedom of expression. Speaking to the media, he declared, "We reject this act. No restrictions can be placed on freedom of speech."
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman criticized the government for undermining democratic principles. "The entire democratic process has been held hostage," he said, further accusing the ruling coalition of making flawed decisions. "This is a 'Form 47' government, known for its wrongful choices," he added.
He emphasized that suppressing dissent through such laws is unacceptable. "No law that aims to silence every voice will be tolerated," he said. Hafiz Naeem also highlighted that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government has been passing controversial legislation at both provincial and national levels.
"We stand against this bill and fully support journalist organizations in their struggle," Hafiz Naeem reaffirmed, pledging solidarity with the media's fight for press freedom and democratic rights.