March 28, 2025
Staff Report
LAHORE
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has given a call for a countrywide protest tomorrow (Saturday, March 29) to condemn the recent arrests of journalists in cases under the draconian PECA law, non-payment of salaries of media workers and the federal government’s delay in paying arrears of media organisations.
The Lahore protest will commence at 3 pm, the Islamabad protest outside the National Press Club will begin at 4 pm.
According to a statement issued by Arshad Ansari, general secretary of the PFUJ, the recent arrests of journalists Waheed Murad in Islamabad and Farhan Mallick in Karachi has caused alarm in the journalistic community and human rights organisations. Ansari said common citizens were falling victim to the draconian cybercrime law with registration of PECA cases against them and in some instances police were registering PECA cases in instances of family disputes.
On the other hand, journalists and media workers were in great economic hardship due to delay in payments of salaries and non-payment of arrears in many media outlets. The strike call for March 29 is being given to highlight the above issues faced by media workers and journalists in the country. Ansari clarified that the next plan of agitation would be announced after holding the country wide strike. The protest in Lahore would be held outside the Lahore Press Club at 3pm while the demonstration in Islamabad is to be organised in front of the National Press Club at the same time.
Arrests bring wave of anger among journalists
Journalist Waheed Murad was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for alleged social media posts deemed ‘intimidating’, particularly those related to the Balochistan Liberation Army.
His case highlights concerns about the use of PECA to target journalists for their online activity. The Islamabad court granted him bail after a two day physical remand.
Prior to this the FIA’s Cybercrime unit arrested Farhan Mallick, the founder of Raftar, under anti-state charges.This arrest followed a raid on Raftar’s office, where the FIA seized equipment and documents. The accusations stem from programs broadcasted that where said to be “against the security establishment”. This situation has drawn strong condemnation from organizations like the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).
Broader Context
There are reports of numerous journalists being targeted under PECA, with allegations of spreading “false narratives” against state institutions. The PFUJ has condemned these actions, highlighting a pattern of harassment and suppression of press freedom. There are reports of actions taken against Journalists who have reported on the Crackdown that occurred in November of 2024.
Reports indicate that over 150 journalists have had cases brought against them under PECA.
With time it has become clear that the use of PECA is a significant concern for journalists in Pakistan, as there have been multiple instances of arrests and legal actions that have caused a great deal of concern.