Pakistan journalist bodies intensify protest against PECA amendment bill
Journalists in Pakistan Protest Against PECA Amendments
Journalists in Pakistan are protesting against changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which they believe threaten press freedom. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Secretary General, Arshad Ansari, announced plans for nationwide protests organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC). These protests include marches to the parliament, sit-ins, and a "Jail Bharo Tehreek" or court arrest movement.
Ansari described the PECA amendment bill as a serious attack on press freedom and stated that trade unions, human rights organizations, and civil society would join the protests. The PFUJ and JAC plan to challenge the amended law in the high court. All press clubs across Pakistan will march to the parliament in Islamabad, although a specific date for the rally has not been set.
On Friday, the PFUJ held a "Black Day" protest against the PECA amendments, with journalists wearing black armbands and union offices draped in black. PFUJ President Afzal Butt criticized the government for passing the amendments without consulting stakeholders, noting that the president signed the bill without allowing journalists to express their concerns.
The JAC, which includes the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors, and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, is also participating in the protests. The amendments to the cybercrime laws introduce new definitions, regulatory bodies, and stricter penalties for spreading "false" information. They also propose the creation of the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, and the Social Media Protection Tribunal.
Doubts Revealed
PECA
PECA stands for the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. It is a law in Pakistan that deals with crimes committed using electronic devices, like computers and phones.
Amendments
Amendments are changes or additions made to a law or document. In this case, changes are being made to the PECA law.
Press Freedom
Press freedom means the ability of journalists to report news without being controlled or restricted by the government. It is important for sharing truthful information with the public.
PFUJ
PFUJ stands for the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. It is an organization that represents journalists in Pakistan and works to protect their rights.
JAC
JAC stands for the Joint Action Committee. It is a group formed by different organizations to work together for a common cause, like protesting against the PECA amendments.
Sit-ins
Sit-ins are a form of protest where people sit in a place and refuse to leave until their demands are met. It is a peaceful way to show disagreement with something.
Afzal Butt
Afzal Butt is the President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists. He is a leader who speaks on behalf of journalists in Pakistan.
Stakeholders
Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest or concern in something. In this case, they are people affected by the PECA amendments, like journalists and media organizations.
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