Journalists’ committee opposes PECA measure and intends to move court.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of journalist organisations has flatly rejected the ‘controversial’ PECA Act modification bill.

JAC stated its decision to challenge the bill in court as well as begin a protest movement.

A special meeting of the journalist organizations’ Joint Action Committee, which includes the PFUJ, PBA, CPNE, AEMEND, and APNS, was held, and it was stated that the federal government had broken its promise by passing the controversial bill through the National Assembly without consultation.

This bill targets not only social media, but also electronic and print media’s digital platforms, with the goal of criminalizing alternative viewpoints. However, if the government continues to confer with stakeholders, the presentation of this contentious law in the Senate must be postponed.

Otherwise, the JAC will start its protest campaign. If the bill is introduced in the Senate, there will be protests not just during the session but also a national call to action.

Islamabad will host a big protest march in which all journalist organizations will take part.

Lawyers, human rights organizations, civil society, and political parties will all be welcomed to the protests.
The Joint Action Committee has also agreed to oppose the PECA Act amendment bill in court after it is finalized, and legal talks have already begun.

The Joint Action Committee stated that, while journalist groups are not opposed to any law, they cannot accept legislation passed unilaterally without input.