LAHORE: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) led nationwide protests against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), with journalists, human rights activists, and trade union leaders demonstrating outside press clubs in major cities.
Protesters demanded the immediate repeal of Peca, warning that if the government fails to act, PFUJ will announce its next course of action in its Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Various organizations, including the Joint Action Committee, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Pakistan Supreme Court Bar Association, and civil society groups, pledged their support for a united struggle alongside PFUJ.
In Lahore, the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) staged a major protest outside Lahore Press Club. PFUJ Secretary General and Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari condemned Peca as a severe attack on press freedom and citizens’ right to free expression, calling it a “death warrant” for journalists and a tool of censorship against 250 million people. He warned that if the law is not repealed, PFUJ will convene its FEC meeting after Eid, inviting all stakeholders to decide on further actions, including a sit-in outside Parliament House.
Ansari further criticized government ministers and politicians responsible for introducing Peca, predicting that they would ultimately face its consequences. He highlighted PFUJ’s historic struggle against oppressive laws, reminding that senior journalists had endured imprisonment and corporal punishment in the past. He stated that PFUJ is even considering launching a “Fill the Jails” movement as a final measure against Peca.
Addressing the financial struggles of media workers, Ansari acknowledged media houses that had paid salaries before Eid but warned of strong protests, including workplace blockades, against those that had not.
He also accused federal and provincial information officers of corruption, alleging that they manipulated advertising funds to benefit ghost agencies while withholding journalists’ financial support.
PUJ General Secretary Qamar Zaman Bhatti stated that Peca is being used not only as a tool to suppress journalism but also to shield corrupt bureaucrats and officials. He demanded that all journalists receive their salaries in accordance with the Wage Award.
Punjab Assembly Press Gallery President Khawaja Naseer assured full support from parliamentary journalists, vowing to raise the issue within legislative bodies.
HRCP Co-Chairperson Munizae Jahangir condemned Peca as a violation of fundamental human rights and a stain on Pakistan’s democratic identity.
Veteran journalist Suhail Warraich called for the law’s immediate repeal, while senior journalist Imtiaz Alam warned that Peca enables corrupt elements within the state to suppress public dissent.
FEC member Shafiq Awan announced that consultations for an intensified protest strategy were ongoing.
Other prominent figures, including Farooq Tariq (Rights Movement), Dr. Ashraf Nizami (PMA), Mujeeb Farooq (Trade Union Defense Campaign), Raja Ashraf (HRCP), Wasim Niaz (Photojournalists Association), and digital media representatives, expressed their support.
During the protests, journalists symbolically wore handcuffs, chanting slogans for press freedom and against Peca. PUJ Senior Vice President Yousaf Raza Abbasi declared that Punjab journalists stand firmly with PFUJ and warned of a major demonstration outside Parliament House in Islamabad.