PECA Act 2025 Sparks Outrage – Press Club Demands Government to Repeal 'Black Law'
- Nationwide Movement Launched – Journalists Demand Justice
Karachi: The Karachi Press Club, along with journalistic organizations, political parties, lawyers, students, and human rights groups, has vowed to continue its strong opposition to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025. They have pledged to challenge this law through legal and democratic means, declaring it a “black law” that suppresses press freedom and fundamental rights.
Speaking at the Azadi Convention held at the Karachi Press Club, various speakers criticized the government for introducing the PECA Act, stating that it treats journalists as criminals and paves the way for retaliatory actions against them. The convention saw participation from prominent figures, including Karachi Press Club President Fazal Jamili, Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan, senior journalist Mazhar Abbas, veteran politician Raza Rabbani, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, legal expert Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed, ANP Sindh General Secretary Younis Buneri, PML-F’s Sehar Bano, Karachi Bar Association General Secretary GM Korai, and labor leader Nasir Mansoor.
The event was also attended by Karachi Press Club Treasurer Imran Ayub, Joint Secretary Muhammad Munsif, Member Governing Body Abdul Hafeez Baloch, President Karachi Union of Journalists Tahir Hassan Khan, President KUJ Constitution Hamidur Rehman, and a large number of journalists.
Key Demands and Concerns
The speakers strongly condemned the PECA Act 2025 and demanded its immediate repeal. They argued that the government has effectively admitted its intent to suppress journalism and dissent.
- Attack on Press Freedom – The law is seen as a tool to silence journalists and media houses under the pretext of combating fake news.
- Retaliation Against Dissent – The PECA Act allegedly protects illegal and unethical government actions while punishing those who expose them.
- Broader Impact on Society—This law targets Political leaders, journalists, lawyers, doctors, laborers, activists, students, and teachers.
- Lack of Political Commitment – Speakers criticized political parties for compromising their principles, allowing non-democratic forces to dominate.
Call for Protest and Legal Action
A nationwide protest movement has been launched, bringing together journalists, civil society, and democratic forces. The Karachi Press Club and other stakeholders have pledged to fight PECA and similar laws until they are abolished. The speakers called on media owners to ensure timely payment of salaries, stop forced layoffs, and provide adequate medical facilities for employees. They warned that failure to comply would lead to organized protests against media houses.
The convention concluded with a unanimous demand to restore press freedom, protect journalists, and uphold democratic values. The movement against PECA 2025 will continue until all oppressive laws are repealed.