By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
Toor was speaking at a national roundtable in Islamabad, organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in collaboration with the European Union to examine the growing restrictions on freedom of expression and digital liberties. The discussion focused particularly on the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and its recent amendments in 2025.
The roundtable brought together journalists, lawyers, civil society representatives, legal experts, and political figures. Participants expressed deep concern over the misuse of PECA and similar laws to suppress free speech, harass journalists, and silence the voices of ordinary citizens.
Senior journalist Matiullah Jan, was also present at the roundtable.
“YouTube channels and journalists’ accounts are being shut down without notice or explanation. We are not even given a chance to defend ourselves. This is a violation not just of freedom of expression, but of fundamental rights.”TV anchor and journalist Absa Komal remarked that journalists are no longer just being arrested, they are being economically pressured. “Advertisements are stopped, programs are taken off-air, and media outlets are pressured not to hire certain journalists.”
HRCP Co-Chairperson and renowned journalist Munizae Jahangir emphasized, “If we remain divided, the authorities will further weaken us. We must bring together media, civil society, and lawyers onto one platform and develop a joint resistance strategy.”
Senior journalist Nasir Zaidi said, “This isn’t just about suppressing journalism, it’s a broader attempt to silence society. We need a united resistance and a campaign for meaningful legislation.”
Veteran politician and human rights activist Farhatullah Babar demanded, “The Senate Information Committee must obtain and publish all PECA case details from the FIA. An independent commission should also be formed to review the misuse of PECA and blasphemy laws.”
The roundtable concluded with a consensus that PECA must either undergo substantial reforms or be repealed altogether. It was agreed that all stakeholders must unite in a practical struggle to safeguard digital rights and freedom of expression, as continued silence will pose a threat not just to journalism, but to democracy itself.