smartcybers786@gmail.com 
Journalists hold a banner during a hunger strike protest against PECA amendments, outside the press club, in Islamabad on 12, 2025. — Online
#Journalists #demand #repeal #amended #Peca
ISLAMABAD: On the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), journalists across Pakistan set up hunger strike camps against the prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a law that pressed As a clear attempt to stop freedom.
The strike organized by PFUJ is being observed across the country, a central protest camp has been set up in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad. The three -day camp will end today, (Friday), with a symbolic hunger strike camp and ‘Freedom of expression rally’, the PECA Act to demonstrate the unity and flexibility of the journalist community Unity and flexibility will be demonstrated against the approval. Stakeholders.
For two days, the camp created tremendous reaction, with journalists, press club representatives, and media workers, they call their opposition “black law”.
The leaders present among the leaders of PFUJ Afzal Butt, President of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (Reg) Tariq Ali Work, Regeneous General Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, former PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi, President National Press Club Azar Jetui, Secretary NPC Nair, former secretary Pafog Fawzia Shahid and a host of senior journalists, anchor people and press freedom advocates.
Addressing the protest camp, Afzal Butt condemned the PECA amendment and argued that weapons were being made to silence disagreements in controlling fake news. “If the government had no adultery, then why did he ignore consultation with stakeholders?” He asked the question. He reiterated that although journalists stand against false information, the government’s move to impose ambiguous and oppressive rules without dialogue is a direct attack on democratic values and freedom of expression. Explaining the PFUJ’s past struggle against oppressive laws and governments, he said, “Earlier, PFUJ fought against dictatorship, and today we stand strong against this strict law. .
Regarding the future process, Afzal Butt said that on the third day of the hunger strike, the rallies will be held nationwide, during which the next steps will be announced. If the government fails to meet our demands, the PFUJ delegation from across the country will turn into Islamabad for a decisive sit -in outside Parliament House, which will continue till our demands are not met. “
Former PFUJ Secretary General Nasir Zaidi highlighted the wider implications of PECA, which states that it has targeted the image of Pakistan globally. “Freedom of expression is a fundamental right. The rulers believe that they can silence us with oppressive laws, but they are mistaken. The press has resisted every such attempt, and will continue. Legendary journalist said the PECA is equal to “Media Martial Law”. He urged people from all parts of the society to join the movement to send a strong message to powerful and decision makers.
Former PFUJ Secretary Fawzia Shahid stressed that journalists have always defended their rights and they will continue. He emphasized that the PECA Act and Publications is far more oppressive than the ordinance (PPO), and considers it a serious threat to the freedom of the press.
President Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalist Tariq Aliwark echoed the sentiments, saying that the government has historically tried to silence the press, but journalists have always fought. “We have struggled against the oppressive governments before, and now we will not be bowed,” he said. We will continue our struggle until the law is withdrawn.
The sentiments were shared by the National Press Club President Azhar Jaiti, who called Pika “stain on democracy”. He warned that the patience of the journalist community was ending, and called on the government to abolish the law before the situation increased. “Freedom of expression strengthens the state, does not weaken it. If this law has not been canceled, we will be forced to take even stronger action,” he warned.
