Islamabad, January 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced a nationwide Black Day tomorrow in protest against the approval of the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary-General Arshad Ansari stated that black flags would be hoisted at press clubs and union offices across the country, while protest rallies would be held against the act.
The PFUJ also declared that journalists would wear black armbands while covering both government and private events as a sign of protest.
The union criticized the government, National Assembly, and Senate for passing the bill without consulting key stakeholders. PFUJ leaders further condemned President Asif Ali Zardari for signing the bill into law without granting them an opportunity for dialogue, calling it “deeply regrettable.”
Declaring the beginning of a press freedom movement, the PFUJ warned that a sit-in would be staged in front of Parliament House to demand the repeal of the “black law.”
