Journalists up in arms against PECA tweaks

The journalists' fraternity observed a black day countrywide on Friday against amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as media workers held protests outside press clubs, hoisted black flags and wore black armbands.

All media bodies — including Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Pakistan Broadcast Association (PBA), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) and All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), joined the protests under the umbrella of Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the recently enacted PECA amendment Act, what they described as a draconian law meant to gag dissent.

The flurry of protest activities took place across the country with the biggest demonstration held outside the National Press Club Islamabad, where journalists hoisted black flag on the roof of the club, raised slogans against the PECA Act, and made fiery speeches criticizing the government for using a law to stifle free speech.

Addressing the protest rally, PFUJ President Afzal Butt termed the PECA Act a black law, adding PFUJ will hold protest rallies on a daily basis and spread the protest movement to every nook and corner of the country. He lashed out at the government for making amendments in the PECA Act without consulting the journalists' bodies.

Apart from the federal capital, the protest demonstrations were also held at provincial capitals and big cities against the legislation. Journalists also gathered outside Karachi Press Club, Lahore Press Club, Quetta Press Club, Peshawar Press Club, Rawalpindi Press Club, Hyderabad Press Club and press clubs in other cities. They hoisted black flags to mark the day. They also raised slogans and made speeches against the government and the law. The journalists' leaders claimed that the government attempted to tame journalists under the pretext of curbing fake news.

In addition, TV reporters, anchors and hosts also performed their duties by wearing black wristbands in order to express opposition to the PECA Act. Besides, the journalists also made coverage of public and private events by wearing black armbands.

Despite the assurances of consultations with stakeholders, the federal government bulldozed the controversial bill in the National Assembly and then got it approved from the Senate in haste, which speaks volume about government's ulterior motives and ill-intention, stated the JAC.