Journalists, human rights activists, and academics across Pakistan marked World Press Freedom Day with a series of protests and discussions demanding the repeal of the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act, 2025. The protests called for the withdrawal of legal cases against journalists under PECA, the restoration of government advertisements to independent media outlets, and the resolution of financial difficulties plaguing the media industry.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) called on the government to protect press freedom, condemning recent amendments to the PECA and the Defamation Law as attempts to control the media. PFUJ Acting President Khalid Khok­h­­ar and Secretary General Ars­h­­­­ad Ans­ari criticized the selective distribution of government advertisements, particularly the suspension of ads to independent media outlets like Dawn newspaper. They reiterated the demand for the repeal of PECA and the implementation of the The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, stressing that the freedom of the press is essential to democracy and public accountability.

Protests and discussions were held in Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar, where journalists and media workers collectively raised their voices against censorship and government overreach.

In Karachi,

The HRCP, in collaboration with the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ), organized a panel discussion at the Karachi Press Club. HRCP Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt expressed concern about the damaging effects of laws like PECA, which he argued not only hinder journalists but also limit the common person’s freedom of expression, particularly on social media.

Senior journalist Hussain Naqi emphasized the growing climate of fear, stating that both ordinary citizens and institutions, including the media, were now living under constant pressure. Human rights activist Mahnaz Rahman criticized the government’s tactic of withholding advertisements from independent media outlets, using this as leverage to stifle critical journalism.

The event ended with a resolution demanding that the federal government repeal PECA, restore government ads to independent media, and withdraw all cases filed against journalists under the law.

In Balochistan,

In Quetta, the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) organized a protest rally to mark World Press Freedom Day. Journalists and media workers marched through the streets, carrying banners and chanting slogans against the PECA law. The protestors condemned the growing censorship in Balochistan, particularly the restrictions on reporting news about opposition parties. BUJ President Khalil Ahmed and Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed addressed the crowd, demanding the immediate repeal of PECA and highlighting the dire financial situation faced by media workers in the region. They also called for the reinstatement of sacked journalists and for media owners to comply with wage laws, ensuring fair pay for media workers.

In Peshawar,

The Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) held a similar rally outside the Peshawar Press Club. Journalists from across the media spectrum, including print, electronic, and digital, gathered to protest the growing pressures on the press. KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed and senior journalist Shamim Shahid led the demonstration, calling for stronger protection for journalists and a free press. The protestors expressed their discontent with the government’s increasing control over the media and the recent amendments to PECA, which they argued were an attempt to silence dissenting voices. They also called for the implementation of the Journalists Protection Bill and demanded that the government address the financial hardships faced by journalists.