Pakistani journalists protest against PECA law
Islamabad
Pakistani journalists continued nationwide protests for the second consecutive day against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (PECA), calling it an attack on press freedom.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has filed cases in the High Court and Supreme Court, urging a judicial review of PECA, which they deem unconstitutional. The protests, organized by various journalist unions, have included rallies and hunger strikes across the country.
In Quetta, the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) staged a symbolic hunger strike outside the Quetta Press Club, vowing to resist any attempts to suppress free speech. The Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) also set up a hunger strike camp at the Karachi Press Club, now in its second day. Representatives from human rights organizations, lawyers, and civil society groups have joined the protests, voicing solidarity with the journalists. The hunger strike is scheduled to continue daily from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Talagang-Chakwal Unit held protest rallies and a hunger strike in response to PFUJ’s call. Demonstrators chanted slogans condemning the PECA law and urged the government to withdraw it immediately.
Journalists and activists fear that PECA will be used to silence dissent and control digital media. Despite mounting criticism, the government has yet to respond to the protests. With legal battles ongoing, journalists remain committed to challenging what they see as a serious threat to press freedom in Pakistan.
What is PECA?
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), enacted in Pakistan in 2016, aims to combat cybercrimes and regulate online activities. It criminalizes offenses such as hacking, online harassment, cyber terrorism, identity theft, and the spread of false information. The law also provides mechanisms to protect personal data and content, allowing authorities to regulate harmful or illegal material online.
