The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced that it will observe a 'black day' on Friday to protest against the controversial PECA Amendment Bill.
Press clubs and union offices across the country will be draped in black, protest rallies will be held across country and journalists will wear black armbands while covering these events.
According to PFUJ President Afzal Butt, the government did not consult stakeholders before passing the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill. He lamented that the president signed the bill without even allowing journalists a chance to present their concerns.
As part of the protest, he said, "the freedom of press movement has been launched", and the PFUJ called for a sit-in in front of Parliament House to demand the repeal of the “black law".
Joint Action Committee joins protest
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which includes the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AMAND), has also announced its participation in the PFUJ-led protest.
The JAC criticised the government for passing the PECA Amendment Bill through the National Assembly and the Senate Standing Committee without consultation and listening to stakeholders. It called the move a clear indication of the government’s intentions to suppress press freedom.
"The passing of the bill is clear evidence of the government's ambitions and malice," the committee declared.
The committee rejected the bill entirely, warning that a strong public and legal battle will be fought against it. It also accused the government of breaking its promises of stakeholder consultation before amending PECA.
