PFUJ to Observe ‘Black Day’ Against PECA Amendment Bill

News Desk

Islamabad: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has announced a nationwide ‘black day’ on Friday to protest against the controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Press clubs and journalists’ union offices across the country will be draped in black, with protest rallies planned in multiple cities. Journalists covering these demonstrations will wear black armbands as a mark of defiance.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt condemned the government for bypassing stakeholders before passing the PECA Amendment Bill. He criticized the president for signing the bill without giving journalists an opportunity to voice their concerns.

“This marks the launch of the freedom of press movement,” he stated, adding that the PFUJ has called for a sit-in outside Parliament House to demand the repeal of the “black law.”

Joint Action Committee Joins the Protest

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising 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 strongly opposed the government’s decision to push the PECA Amendment Bill through the National Assembly and Senate Standing Committee without consulting key stakeholders.

“This move exposes the government’s intent to curb press freedom,” the committee declared, rejecting the bill outright. It warned of a robust public and legal battle against the legislation, accusing the government of reneging on its commitment to consult media representatives before amending PECA.