News Desk: Leaders of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) have demanded immediate amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Ordinance, stating that the law in its current form undermines freedom of expression, media independence, and digital rights in Pakistan.
The demand was made during a seminar on media laws held at the Quetta Press Club, where journalists, political representatives, human rights activists, and members of civil society gathered to discuss the impact of cybercrime legislation and media regulations on press freedom.
Journalists Raise Concerns Over PECA Ordinance
Addressing the seminar, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari, along with BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed Rind and Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed, criticized the PECA Ordinance, calling it a “restrictive law” that limits citizens’ constitutional right to free speech.
Speakers argued that certain provisions of the cybercrime law could be misused to silence dissenting voices, restrict investigative journalism, and create fear among media professionals. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the ordinance in consultation with journalists, legal experts, and digital rights advocates.
PFUJ leaders announced that a nationwide awareness campaign has been launched to engage political parties, non-governmental organizations, bar associations, and other stakeholders. The goal is to prepare a consensus-based draft with proposed amendments and present it to parliament and the federal government for legislative reform.
Call for Balanced Media Regulation and Responsible Journalism
Participants stressed that while responsible journalism and measures against fake news, disinformation, and character assassination are important, such objectives should not come at the cost of fundamental rights. They called for transparent and inclusive lawmaking to ensure a balance between national security concerns and freedom of the press.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of strengthening digital rights protections, improving media governance frameworks, and promoting ethical standards in online journalism and social media reporting.
Security and Welfare of Journalists in Balochistan
Special attention was given to the challenges faced by journalists in Balochistan, described as one of the most difficult regions in Pakistan for media professionals. Speakers noted that over 40 journalists and media workers have lost their lives in the province while performing their professional duties.
Journalist leaders urged the provincial government to expedite work on a Journalists Protection Bill and address long-standing issues related to safety, financial insecurity, and welfare of media workers. They emphasized that ensuring journalist safety is essential for democratic accountability and transparent governance.
The government is open to consultation and constructive dialogue
Shahid Rind, Adviser to the Chief Minister of Balochistan on Media and Political Affairs, stated that if BUJ has prepared a draft of the Journalists Protection Bill, the government is open to consultation and constructive dialogue. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to resolving journalists’ issues through engagement and mutual understanding.
He acknowledged that criticism of PECA is the right of journalists but also stressed the need to curb misinformation and defamatory content. According to him, adopting modern technology, merit, and transparency is essential to strengthening professional journalism standards.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants agreed that media laws in Pakistan must be reformed through broad-based consultation to safeguard freedom of expression, protect journalists’ rights, and promote responsible digital journalism. The event was described as an important step toward advancing press freedom, democratic values, and legal reforms in the country.
