Journalist bodies across Pakistan have announced observing Friday, January 31, as “Black Day” in protest against the controversial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which received presidential assent on Wednesday.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in a statement, declared that black flags would be hoisted at press clubs nationwide, while journalists would wear black armbands and hold rallies against the amendments. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary Arshad Ansari criticized the government for failing to consult stakeholders before passing the bill.
PFUJ leaders condemned President Asif Ali Zardari for approving the PECA (Amendment) Bill 2025 without providing journalists an opportunity to present their stance. They announced the launch of a press freedom movement and hinted at an upcoming sit-in outside Parliament House against what they called a “black law.”
The Journalists’ Joint Action Committee (JAC)—which includes the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND)—has also endorsed PFUJ’s call for nationwide protests.
In a joint declaration, JAC rejected the amendments and vowed to fight them both publicly and legally. The committee is now engaging with civil society groups, human rights organizations, and legal experts to challenge the law in court.
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