Journalists Protest Nationwide Against PECA Amendments on Black Day
Journalists wore black armbands and raised black flags at press clubs nationwide.
Under the leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), journalists and media organizations observed a nationwide Black Day on Friday, strongly opposing the recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
In a symbolic display of dissent, black flags were raised at press clubs and media union offices across the country, while journalists donned black armbands. The protest was fueled by the controversial PECA (Amendment) Bill 2025, which President Zardari signed into law on Wednesday, despite widespread backlash from opposition parties and media bodies. The bill had been rushed through both houses of parliament without consulting journalist organizations or key stakeholders, a move strongly criticized by the JAC.
Prominent journalist bodies, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), united in their stance against what they described as an attack on press freedom.
Protests Across the Country
In Karachi, journalist groups, legal professionals, and political figures gathered outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC), condemning the law as an attempt to curb free speech. A black flag was hoisted at the club as a sign of resistance, and protesters urged the government to withdraw the controversial amendments.
Meanwhile, renowned journalist Hamid Mir took to social media platform X to announce the formation of a grand alliance comprising media professionals, lawyers, and human rights activists. This coalition aims to challenge what they call a “draconian” law designed to suppress dissenting voices.
At a protest in Islamabad’s National Press Club, PFUJ President Afzal Butt commended journalists for their unity, recalling past struggles against censorship. He warned the government:
“If you believe the voice of press freedom has weakened, look at our history.”
Butt cited the persecution journalists endured under former military ruler General Ziaul Haq, where many were imprisoned and whipped but never compromised on press freedom. He declared, “This is a battle of now or never.”
The PFUJ president further cautioned that if this law is enforced, “There will be locks on cameras and pens.” He stressed that the legislation was not just targeting journalists but aimed at controlling digital spaces, adding, “The real target is silencing smartphones.”
Beyond Karachi and Islamabad, protests took place in Lahore, Quetta, Thatta, Larkana, and other cities, demonstrating widespread rejection of the new law.
Government Responds
In response to the protests, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the government was open to discussions with media bodies regarding the contentious aspects of the act. He urged journalists to specify the problematic provisions, asserting that “there is always room for improvement in laws.” However, he also remarked that while protests continue, “no one is actually debating the specific provisions.”
Key Amendments in Peca 2025
The revised cybercrime law introduces:
New Definitions & Regulatory Bodies: The amendments propose creating the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (SMPRA), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and the Social Media Protection Tribunal.
Stricter Penalties: Spreading “false information” online now carries a reduced but still stringent punishment—up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs.2 million.
Content Removal & Censorship: Authorities can order the removal of online content deemed harmful, including material that allegedly incites violence, spreads misinformation, or insults state institutions.
Regulation of Social Media Platforms: Platforms must register with the government, adhere to additional conditions, and comply with orders to remove content within 24 hours.
Additionally, a “Social Media Complaint Council” will handle grievances related to online content, and “Social Media Protection Tribunals” will resolve cases within 90 days, with appeals allowed to the Supreme Court within 60 days.
A Growing Showdown
As the debate intensifies, the journalist community remains firm in its opposition, warning that the law sets a dangerous precedent for media control and digital censorship. With media organizations, legal professionals, and civil rights activists joining forces, the government faces mounting pressure to revisit the amendments. Whether authorities will reconsider their stance remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—journalists are not backing down.
