Feb 14, 2025
By Dauran Baloch
QUETTA
Among the many journalist protests unfolding against the passing of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Balochistan protests are also gaining momentum.
The PECA law has been sparking widespread concern among journalists, legal professionals, and civil society activists since some time.
In response to a call by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) too has set up a symbolic hunger strike camp outside the Quetta Press Club. Now in its third consecutive day, the protest has drawn significant participation from journalists and other stakeholders.
BUJ leads protest against PECA Act lawyers, civil society activists, businessmen, trade unions, and representatives of political parties have visited the protest camp to express solidarity with journalists. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to press freedom, freedom of expression, democracy, and human rights, vowing not to accept any restrictions that curtail journalistic independence.
“Journalists serve as the eyes and ears of society, playing a crucial role in keeping the public informed. The PECA Act is a blatant attempt to muzzle the press and suppress dissenting voices. This is nothing more than a failed ploy by the authorities,” says Khalil Ahmed, President of the BUJ.
Speaking to Voicepk, BUJ Senior Vice President Manzoor Ahmed said that the amendments introduced in the PECA Act violate fundamental constitutional rights.
“The government has deliberately kept the definition of ‘fake news’ vague, which raises concerns that the law will be selectively used to target critics. Any government-friendly misinformation will go unchallenged, while critical reporting will be branded as fake news and criminalized.”
He further warned that if their demands were ignored, the PFUJ and its affiliated units across Pakistan would intensify their protest campaign.
“We hope the government engages in dialogue, but if our concerns remain unaddressed, we will escalate our movement,” he said.
Legal community opposes PECA Ordinance
Vice President of the Balochistan Bar Council, Rahib Khan Buledi, also criticized the PECA Ordinance, calling it a tool to stifle dissent.
“This law is a direct violation of Article 19-A of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression as a fundamental right,” he told Voicepk. “In a democracy, an independent judiciary and a free press are vital pillars. But, the current administration appears determined to erode these institutions by enacting draconian laws like the PECA Ordinance,” he added.
He recalled that the Balochistan Bar Council had planned a large protest in Islamabad against the 26th Constitutional Amendment but faced state repression.
“Authorities used force to suppress our demonstration—barricades were erected, baton charges carried out, and lawyers were subjected to violence.”
Highlighting the broader implications of the PECA Act, he noted, “A weakened judiciary and a silenced press will inevitably lead to the violation of citizens’ rights. If this trend continues, public trust in the judicial system will further erode.”
The Balochistan Bar Council, along with legal bodies across the province, has announced its decision to challenge the PECA Ordinance in court. “We will soon file a petition in the Balochistan High Court because this ordinance is a direct attack on press freedom and democracy,” Baloedi asserted.
Growing support from civil society and business community
Support for the anti-PECA Act movement has been rapidly gaining traction, including labor unions, human rights organizations, and now even the business community.
Labor federations expressed concerns that restricting press freedom could set a dangerous precedent for limiting workers’ rights and independent reporting on labor issues.
Similarly, business leaders fear that curbing the free flow of information will undermine economic transparency and deter foreign investment.
“An environment where information is controlled and dissent is silenced creates instability, which is detrimental to economic growth,” said a representative of a leading business association.
Human rights activists have also joined the demonstrations, emphasizing that an attack on press freedom is an attack on democracy itself.
“A free press is essential for holding power to account. If the government succeeds in passing such authoritarian laws, it will open the door to further censorship and repression,” said a member of a rights advocacy group.
With nationwide protests intensifying, the coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the PECA Act. As journalists, lawyers, and civil society continue their resistance, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider its stance.