Journalists and media professionals across Pakistan, led by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), are set to organize protests and rallies today in opposition to the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill.
These nationwide demonstrations, supported by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of journalist organizations, are aimed at challenging what they call a “repressive law” designed to stifle freedom of speech and press. The JAC has vowed to launch both public and legal campaigns to oppose the bill.
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Concerns Raised by Journalists
Afzal Butt, President of PFUJ, referred to the PECA Amendment Bill as a “black law” and announced a strong nationwide movement to fight against it. He urged journalists and media workers to unite and protest by organizing rallies.
The JAC also criticized the government for pushing the bill through quickly, which they say reflects malintent. The committee has already started discussions with human rights organizations, bar councils, and other stakeholders to form a broader opposition to the bill.
In addition, the JAC has sent a letter to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, urging that consultations with relevant parties take place before the bill’s approval. The JAC is also finalizing talks with legal experts to prepare a court challenge against the amendment.
Controversial Senate Approval
Despite strong opposition, the PECA Amendment Bill was approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior. Critics allege that the government bypassed stakeholder consultations and disregarded amendments suggested by JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza.
During the session, PPP Senator Palwasha Khan remained silent, and opposition members protested when the committee’s report was presented in the Senate. Journalists also walked out of the press gallery, as did opposition members who were not allowed to voice their objections.
Senator Umar Farooq stated that the committee approved the bill by majority vote, asserting that it was an effort to tackle cybercrimes. Senator Ali Zafar of PTI labeled the amendment as “martial law plus” and condemned its attacks on freedom of expression.
He called the amendment unconstitutional and criticized the government’s attempt to pass it without due process. Zafar insisted that the government should reconvene a joint committee to review the bill. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar dismissed the protests, claiming it was unwarranted since the matter was not part of the agenda.
Repercussions of the PECA Bill
PTI leaders referred to the PECA Amendment as “martial law plus” and warned that it could lead to arbitrary arrests under the pretext of fake news. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar stated that the party rejects the PECA law and announced plans to take action against the senators who voted for it.
Gohar expressed hope that the judiciary would declare the law unconstitutional. Asad Qaiser added that a political alliance is being formed to challenge the bill, with media and civil society as key partners in the fight to uphold freedom of expression and prevent media suppression.
