Joining a nationwide action initiated by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) has announced a three-day hunger strike camp at the Karachi Press Club. This protest is against the “draconian” amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The strike, running daily from 11 am to 5 pm, is part of a broader “anti-PECA struggle,” as termed in a press release issued by the KUJ. The event will see participation from media workers alongside representatives from various sectors, including civil society, rights and labor organizations, legal bodies, and political and religious parties.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt, along with Secretary General Arshad Ansari, declared that similar hunger strike camps will be established in press clubs across Pakistan from February 12 to 14. This move comes after “extensive consultations” nationwide.
Butt highlighted the historical significance of such movements, drawing parallels with past actions against repressive regimes. “We are ready to repeat history, just as we did during the press freedom struggle against General Zia-ul-Haq,” Butt stated.
Ansari reinforced the message by reminding the government of past demonstrations, including a 72-day sit-in against former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf. He warned: “If this protest fails to achieve its objective, we will call for a sit-in in front of Parliament House.”
On January 31, journalists across Pakistan staged widespread protests against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Act 2025 and observed a “black day.” The protests were held in all provinces of the country.
