PFUJ announces sit-in protest outside Parliament against “black PECA law”

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced a nationwide protest and an indefinite sit-in outside Parliament against the recent amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2025, initially enacted in Pakistan in 2016.

The National Assembly had already approved the bill on January 23. 

Speaking at a press conference along with the leadership of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) at the National Press Club, PFUJ President Afzal Butt announced the indefinite sit-in outside Parliament against the controversial law passed on Monday by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior under the chair of Faisal Saleem Rehman.

Butt said that while the sit-in’s starting date will be announced soon, it will continue until the law is repealed. He called on Pakistanis worldwide to join the protest by organising demonstrations in their respective host countries, for press freedom in Pakistan and globally. 

“This is not just a national issue; we will ensure our voices resonate across the world,” Butt said. 

Directly addressing Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Butt alleged, “This is your bill. Until recently, you were one of us, and perhaps tomorrow you may wish to rejoin our ranks. Do you think we are unaware of your activities in the United States?” 

Criticizing the government’s lack of consultation, Butt said, “The government didn’t even give us a week to deliberate on the legislation.”

He also expressed disappointment with the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, chaired by a PTI senator, for passing the bill within 15 minutes without listening to journalists’ concerns. 

“Parliament’s supremacy has been established through the blood of journalists. Institutions don’t become supreme by their buildings but through their actions and character,” he said, urging parliamentarians to uphold democratic principles. 

He called on President Asif Ali Zardari not to sign the bill into law, emphasizing that journalists’ objections regarding freedom of expression must be considered. 

Butt also addressed the lack of awareness among new parliamentarians about PFUJ’s history, saying, “We are people of action, not just words. Journalists and media workers across the country must come out tomorrow and join the protest.” 

The PFUJ vowed to continue its struggle for press freedom, declaring that the movement will persist until the controversial law is repealed.