Media fraternity up in arms against PECA amendments

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KARACHI:

The joint action committee of media bodies staged a protest demonstration in front of the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday in response to an appeal from the Pakistan Federation of Union of Journalists (PFUJ) against a recent amendment in the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Representatives from various media organisations, civil society groups, trade unions, lawyers' groups and teachers joined and supported the protest.

The PECA, a law enacted in 2016, was passed by lower and upper houses, aimed at addressing cybercrime and regulating electronic communication in Pakistan. It was meant to combat online offences such as hacking, data theft, and cyberbullying. Many journalists and media organisations have raised concerns regarding its implications on press freedom and freedom of expression.

"The government has to learn the lessons as it was earlier used against the same party, which had passed the law in a haste," commented Mazhar Abbas, a senior member of PFUJ.

Prominent figures, including journalists, media owners, editors, and workers from organisations such as PFUJ, Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and others addressed the protesters.

Among those who spoke on the occasion, included KUJ President Tahir Hassan Khan, senior PFUJ leaders Saeed Sarbazi Lala Asad, Imtiaz Khan Faran, Azhar Abbas, trade unions leader Nasir Mansoor, Prof. Tauseef, Rahman Korani of Karachi Bar Association and Athar Qazi. The speakers condemned the government's approach to media regulation and passage of the amendment in a haste without consulting the stakeholders.

KUJ leader Imtiaz Khan Faran highlighted that special laws are being enacted to control the media landscape. He questioned why the government had not engaged in dialogue with media bodies regarding these changes, labeling it a conspiracy against working journalists.

Mazhar Abbas characterized the situation as a 'civilian martial law'. He urged the joint action committee to advocate for the repeal of PECA, stating that they would not compromise on their rights.

Azhar Abbas called for unity among media organisations to demonstrate collective strength to the government. PBA representative Qazi Ather reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding press freedom, stating that they would not allow their voices to be suppressed.

Lala Asad announced plans for a long march to Islamabad as part of their ongoing struggle against oppressive laws. KUJ President Tahir Hassan Khan reiterated that journalists' bodies would not accept what he termed a 'Draconian Law'.