Journalist organizations in Pakistan have announced they will observe a “Black Day” on Friday in protest against the recent amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. This decision came shortly after President Asif Ali Zardari signed the controversial PECA (Amendment) Bill 2025, despite strong opposition from the media and political sectors.
The bill, which passed through both the Senate and the National Assembly amid protests, has sparked a wave of dissent, with journalists criticizing the lack of consultation with stakeholders. In a statement, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced that black flags would be raised at press clubs and union offices across the country. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary Arshad Ansari declared that journalists would participate in rallies and wear black armbands as a symbol of protest.
The union leaders expressed frustration over the bill being approved without an opportunity for them to present their concerns. They described the move as an attack on press freedom and pledged to launch a broader movement, including a sit-in outside the Parliament House.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which includes several prominent journalist bodies, supported PFUJ’s call for a nationwide protest. The committee condemned the bill’s approval and vowed to challenge the amendments both legally and publicly. They have begun consulting with civil society groups, human rights organizations, and legal experts to pursue legal action against the amendments in court.
