The joint action committee for media organs staged a protest demonstration ahead of the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday in response to an appeal from the Pakistan Federation of Union of Journalists (PFUJ) against a recent change in Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Representatives from various media organizations, civil society groups, unions, lawyer groups and teachers joined and supported the protest.

Peca, a law passed in 2016, was passed by lower and upper houses for the purpose of tackling cybercrime and regulating electronic communication in Pakistan. It was intended to fight online violations such as hacking, data theft and cyber bullying. Many journalists and media organizations have raised concerns about its consequences for freedom of press and freedom of expression.

“The government has to learn the lessons when it was previously used against the same party that had passed the law in a hurry,” commented Mazhar Abbas, a senior member of PFUJ.

Prominent figures, including journalists, media owners, editors and workers from organizations such as PFUJ, Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Council of Pakistan Avis Editors (CPNE) and others treated the protesters.

Among those who spoke to the apartment included Kuj President Tahir Hassan Khan, Senior PFUJ leaders Saeed Sarbazi Lala Asad, Imtiaz Khan Faran, Azhar Abbas, Trade Unions Nasir Mansoor, Professor Tuseeeef, Rahman Koreani of Karachi Bar Association and Athar Qazi. The speakers condemned the government’s approach to media regulation and review of the amendment in haste without consulting the stakeholders.

Kuj leader IMTIAZ Khan Faran emphasized that special laws are adopted to control the media landscape. He questioned why the government had not engaged in dialogue with media organs about these changes, and noticed it as a conspiracy against working journalists.

Mazhar Abbas characterized the situation as a ‘civil martial art’. He called on the Joint Action Committee to advocate the cancellation of Peca and said they would not compromise on their rights.

Azhar Abbas called on entity among media organizations to demonstrate collective strength to the government. PBA representative Qazi Ather confirmed the obligation to protect the freedom of press and said they would not allow their votes to be suppressed.

Lala Asad announced plans for a long march to Islamabad as part of their ongoing fight against oppressive laws. Kuj President Tahir Hassan Khan reiterated that the journalists’ bodies would not accept what he called a ‘drakonic law’.