Journalists protest PECA, layoffs across Pakistan
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 4 November 2026 | JP Staff Report
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Journalists observed a Black Day at press clubs across Pakistan on November 3, opposing PECA cases, layoffs and unpaid salaries. PFUJ secretary general Arshad Ansari announced further protests and a long march to Islamabad.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Journalists observed a Black Day at press clubs across Pakistan on November 3, marking the 2007 emergency and protesting PECA cases, forced layoffs, unpaid salaries, and bureau closures.
The protests were held on the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). Its secretary general, Arshad Ansari, said that nationwide protests against PECA would follow, culminating in a long march to Islamabad.
Demonstrations in major cities
In Karachi, journalists were joined at the Karachi Press Club by lawyers, trade unionists, and rights and political activists. Speakers included Human Rights Commission of Pakistan chairman Asad Iqbal Butt and Sindh High Court Bar Association president Haseeb Jamali.
PFUJ leaders demanded the withdrawal of what they described as fabricated cases, protection for media workers and repeal of the PECA (Amendment) Act 2025. They also called for audits of media houses that cite losses when laying off staff. In Lahore, Ansari and Punjab Union of Journalists leaders Naeem Hanif and Qamar Zaman Butt addressed a protest where black flags were raised. In Islamabad, journalists wearing black armbands gathered outside the National Press Club.
Protests and job concerns in Balochistan
In Balochistan, black flags were hoisted at press clubs, and the Balochistan Union of Journalists held a sit-in outside the Quetta Press Club. Protests were also reported in Khuzdar, Dalbandin and Zhob.
Speakers in Quetta said nearly 10 news channels had closed their Balochistan bureaus, leaving about 150 journalists and media workers jobless. Ansari also cited salary cuts and forced dismissals among the pressures facing journalists.
ATTRIBUTION: Prepared by JournalismPakistan staff, based on information provided by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.
PHOTO: Tauseef Ahmed Abbasi (Facebook)
Key Points
- Journalists observed a Black Day at press clubs across Pakistan.
- The November 3 protests marked the 2007 emergency.
- Demonstrators opposed PECA cases, layoffs, unpaid salaries and bureau closures.
- PFUJ leader Arshad Ansari announced further protests and an Islamabad march.
- Quetta speakers said bureau closures left about 150 media workers jobless.
Key Questions & Answers
Why did journalists observe a Black Day?
They marked the November 3, 2007 emergency and protested PECA cases, layoffs, unpaid salaries and bureau closures.
Where were protests held?
Protests were reported in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and several locations in Balochistan, including Quetta.
What action did Arshad Ansari announce?
The PFUJ secretary general announced further nationwide protests against PECA, culminating in a long march to Islamabad.
What did speakers say about media jobs in Balochistan?
Speakers in Quetta said nearly 10 channels had closed bureaus, leaving about 150 journalists and media workers jobless.
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