PFUJ to Observe ‘Black Day’ Against Amended PECA Law

Journalists to Observe ‘Black Day’ Against Amended PECA e Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has declared a nationwide Black Day protest tomorrow against the recently amended Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), calling it a threat to press freedom.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari announced in a joint statement that black flags would be hoisted at press clubs and union offices across the country, with protest rallies planned. They criticized the government for restricting press freedom despite previously championing it while in opposition.

Expressing disappointment in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Butt said expectations were high from Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, particularly given Bilawal’s past support for press freedom in parliament.

The PFUJ leaders accused the amended PECA of enabling arrests and punishments without due process. In response, they launched a Press Freedom Movement, vowing sustained resistance, including a sit-in outside Parliament House. Legal experts are also reviewing the law for potential court challenges.

Butt noted that while immediate enforcement is unlikely due to pending regulations, the government’s swift passage of the amendment suggests rapid implementation. The PFUJ pledged legal and humanitarian support for journalists affected by the law.