Islamabad, January 31, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has called for an expansion of its nationwide protests against the recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The amendments introduce harsher penalties for “fake news,” expand state oversight of digital platforms, and establish new regulatory bodies to monitor social media.
The amendments received assent from President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday, despite widespread opposition from political parties, journalist groups, and human rights organizations. In protest, the PFUJ designated January 31 as a “Black Day,” with journalists across Pakistan wearing black armbands and holding rallies. The central event took place at the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad.
Prominent journalists, including Afzal Butt, Naseem Zahra, Ali Raza Alvi, Gharida Farooqui, and others, spoke at the NPC event, condemning the amendments as a “draconian and black law” aimed at suppressing journalistic freedom. Zahra argued that the law was designed to stifle criticism of those in power, while Farooqui described it as an attempt to “silence the voices of the entire journalistic community,” particularly targeting the youth, who constitute 70% of Pakistan’s population.
Nayyer Ali, Secretary of the NPC, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that journalists across the country were united in their opposition to the amendments. Sami Ibrahim called for continued unity among journalists, warning that failure to act now could result in a “massive loss” for the profession in the future. Matiullah Jan criticized the amendments as part of a broader state policy aimed at eliminating journalism in Pakistan.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt expressed gratitude to journalist bodies for their participation in the protests, stressing that the movement would persist until the government withdrew the amendments and allowed journalists to work freely.
LHC issues notices on petition challenging PECA amendments
Earlier today, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued notices in response to a petition challenging the PECA amendments. The petition, filed by journalist Jaffar Ahmad Yar through Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, argues that the bill was passed without proper consultation with relevant stakeholders.
During the hearing, Justice Farooq Haider rejected the petitioner’s request to immediately suspend the provisions of the amendments. He stated that a decision would be made once the parties involved presented their stances. The court issued notices to the Federation of Pakistan, the law and IT ministries, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The petition challenges specific provisions of the amendments, arguing that they violate fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, particularly Articles 2-A, 9, 19, 19-A, and 175. The petition also requests that the court declare these provisions unconstitutional.
International concerns
The amendments have drawn criticism from international organizations like Amnesty International, which warned that the changes could further restrict online freedom of expression in Pakistan. Amnesty raised concerns over vague and ambiguous elements of the offense, noting that the law has been used to silence dissent in the past.
Journalists and political parties, particularly the PTI, have also denounced the amendments, with the PTI accusing the PPP of hypocrisy for supporting the bill while claiming to stand for free expression.
The government, however, defends the amendments, arguing that they are necessary to combat disinformation and ensure accountability in the digital age.
