Pakistan journalists body observes 'Black Day', protest against PECA Amendment Bill
Pakistan Journalists Protest Against PECA Amendment Bill
In Islamabad, Pakistan, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) is organizing a nationwide "Black Day" protest against the controversial PECA Amendment Bill. Journalists across the country are wearing black armbands, and union offices and press clubs are draped in black as a symbol of resistance.
PFUJ's Stand
PFUJ President Afzal Butt criticized the government for passing the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendment Bill without consulting relevant stakeholders. He expressed that the president signed the bill without allowing journalists to voice their concerns. As part of the protest, PFUJ has launched a "freedom of press movement" and called for a sit-in in front of Parliament House to demand the repeal of the "black law."
Joint Action Committee's Involvement
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which includes the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AMAND), is also participating in the protests. The JAC condemned the government's approach, stating it failed to engage stakeholders before pushing the bill through the Senate Standing Committee and the National Assembly. They denounced the move as an attempt to suppress press freedom.
The JAC rejected the bill outright and warned of an intense legal and public battle against it, accusing the government of not honoring its commitment to consult stakeholders before amending PECA.
Doubts Revealed
PECA Amendment Bill
PECA stands for Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. It's a law in Pakistan that deals with crimes committed using computers and the internet. The amendment means they want to change some parts of this law.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)
PFUJ is a group in Pakistan that represents journalists, people who write news stories. They work to protect the rights of journalists and ensure they can do their jobs freely.
Black Day
A 'Black Day' is a form of protest where people wear black to show they are unhappy about something. In this case, journalists are wearing black to show they disagree with the PECA Amendment Bill.
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.
Joint Action Committee (JAC)
The Joint Action Committee is a group of different organizations that come together to work on a common issue. Here, they are working together to protest against the PECA Amendment Bill.
Press freedom
Press freedom means that journalists can report news without being controlled or punished by the government. It's important for sharing true information with the public.
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