The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has called for nationwide protests against amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The Senate of Pakistan approved contentious amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, which critics argue aim to stifle independent media, social media, and freedom of speech. The law is set to take effect pending presidential approval.

In response to the legislative changes, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has called for nationwide protests scheduled for January 28, at 3:00pm.

The PFUJ had previously appealed to the government and elected officials to engage with stakeholders prior to the Senate’s decision, but their requests were disregarded.

The union has expressed strong opposition to the amendments, asserting that they violate the spirit of the constitution.

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In a statement, the PFUJ urged all Union of Journalists (UJs) to organize robust demonstrations at their local press clubs tomorrow at 3pm, emphasizing the importance of unity in conveying a powerful message of rejection to the government and those responsible for the amendments.

Journalists were not taken into confidence before bill: PFUJ president

PFUJ President Afzal Butt has rejected the government’s claims that journalists were consulted before the passage of the bill in the National Assembly.

“Today, our friends who staged a walkout from the Senate, I was surprised at PPP senators who raised strange questions that the government, PML-N, says that the bill was tabled for two months and everyone knew that. But no one gave any suggestions,” he said at a press conference.

He clarified that journalists were not aware of the bill when it was introduced in NA.

According to Butt, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar did send an invitation to journalists for a discussion the next day. “When we raised this matter on the floor of Joint Action Committee, which comprises all stakeholders, they said the government will pass this bill at 4pm,” he said and added that attending the meeting would be a futile exercise as journalists have not read the bill.

“Hopefully our protest movement will be successful,” he said.