Qaseem Shah:
QUETTA: Journalists, media workers, and civil society members staged a protest outside the Quetta Press Club on World Press Freedom Day under the banner of the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ), demanding protection of press freedom and repeal of what they termed “black laws” restricting freedom of expression.
A large number of journalists and civil society representatives participated in the demonstration, raising slogans in support of freedom of the press and against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and other laws allegedly curbing free speech in Pakistan.
The protesters carried banners highlighting the importance of independent journalism and protection of media rights. Speakers at the protest strongly criticized restrictions on media freedom and called on authorities to withdraw the PECA Act.
Addressing the gathering, BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed, Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed, PFUJ Senior Vice President Noor Elahi Bugti, BUJ General Secretary Shah Hussain Tareen, and civil society leader Behram Lehri stressed the need to safeguard journalists’ rights and ensure an environment where media can operate freely without pressure or censorship.
The speakers also demanded the reopening of closed bureau offices of television channels in Balochistan and urged media organizations to end the economic exploitation of journalists and media workers.
They further called for the reinstatement of unemployed journalists and media employees, warning that continued layoffs and financial instability were severely affecting the media industry in the province.
The protest concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to defending press freedom and democratic values in Pakistan.
