JournalismPakistan.com | Published January 22, 2025 at 07:23 pm | PFUJ Media Release
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has vehemently condemned the newly proposed amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, describing the move as a “betrayal” by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari labeled the amendments as "unconstitutional" and a calculated attempt to curtail the freedom of the media, social media, and press in Pakistan. They stated that the amendments directly violate the constitutional guarantees of free expression and are an affront to democratic principles.
The PFUJ leadership expressed disappointment in Minister Tarar for failing to honor his promise to share the draft amendments with stakeholders, including PFUJ. They accused him of deliberately bypassing meaningful consultation and claimed that the tabling of these amendments was carried out at the behest of “invisible forces.”
“The government’s actions amount to ditching the entire media community,” the PFUJ said, adding that such unilateral decisions erode trust and undermine the values of a free and open press.
The union reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the constitutional right to freedom of expression and press freedom, vowing to resist any move aimed at silencing dissent or critical voices.
Calling for the immediate withdrawal of the draft amendments, the PFUJ urged the government to initiate a consultative process with relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment with constitutional principles.
The PFUJ warned that if the amendments are not withdrawn, the journalist community will have no choice but to organize nationwide protests to block the passage of the bill.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.