ISLAMABAD: President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, has warned the federal government about the consequences of ignoring concerns over the controversial PECA Amendment Bill.

Speaking at a protest in Islamabad's D-Chowk, he stated that if the Pakistan government doesn't act wisely regarding the PECA Amendment Bill, political parties will also be invited to join the movement against it.

Afzal Butt highlighted that journalists in Pakistan could have marched to Parliament if they wanted but have chosen to take gradual steps.

He mentioned that the current protest is just the beginning, with lawyers, civil society, and eventually political parties in Pakistan joining the cause in the next phase to challenge the PECA Amendment Bill.

He urged the President of Pakistan to listen to journalists' objections when the PECA Amendment Bill comes to him, emphasising that they are ready to point out which clauses violate the constitution.

Afzal Butt also addressed the issue of fake news, saying journalists in Pakistan are its biggest victims and opponents. He added that the PFUJ has always stood up for press freedom with courage.

The protestors criticised the Pakistan government, accusing them of pushing the same "black laws," like the PECA Bill, that they had once opposed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 29 2025

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