LAHORE: A convention organised by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Freedom of Press and Expression formally rejected the Peca 2025 amendments, characterizing them as a draconian “Black Law” specifically engineered to facilitate the arm-twisting of journalists and the total suppression of Pakistan’s media landscape.
Arshad Ansari, president of the Lahore Press Club and secretary general PFUJ, said the convention passed a resolution also, which stated, “We denounce the state’s betrayal of its solemn promise that these laws would never be weaponized against the press. Instead of upholding that commitment, authorities have escalated their campaign to include judicial harassment, the arbitrary offloading of journalists from flights, and the restriction of professional travel abroad, all of which serve to create a pervasive environment of fear and intimidation.”
This convention demanded immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all cases against journalists under the Peca. “We call for an immediate, transparent review of the Peca framework to ensure it is no longer used as a tool for political victimization against the fourth pillar of the state. We demand instant clearance of all dues and salaries for journalists and media workers,” the convention demanded.
