The Federal Union of Journalists of Pakistan (PFUJ) has announced a “Black Day” throughout the country on Friday in protest against amendments to the Electronic Crime Prevention Law (PECA).
In a joint statement, the president of PFUJ, AFZAL BUTT, and Secretary General Arshad Ansari declared that journalists from all over the country were going to black flags in press clubs and union offices, along with celebrating protest demonstrations against the controversial amendments.
The leaders criticized the Government for restricting freedom of the press, highlighting that, while in the opposition, the ruling party had strongly advocated the rights of journalists, an approach resonated by the previous administrations.
PFUJ leaders condemned the modified PCA legislation, arguing that it allows detention and sanctions without just trial procedures. They announced the launch of a “press freedom movement”, promising that their opposition would extend beyond the protests to a sustained campaign.
Butt declared that the movement had already begun, with plans to organize a sitting outside the house of Parliament until the amendments are repealed. In addition, the PFUJ is exploring legal ways to challenge the law, and legal professionals currently analyze their provisions.
Although he acknowledges that the immediate application remains unlikely due to the pending procedural formalities, Butt expressed concern that the rapid approval of the government of the law could indicate plans for accelerated application.
He said that the next few days they would clarify the implementation timeline and reaffirmed Pfuj’s commitment to support journalists affected by law, both legal and humanitarian.
