Journalists organize hunger strike against PECA amendments

A hunger strike camp was set up at Lahore Press Club under the call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) to protest the PECA Amendment Bill 2025.

Journalists have set up protest camps in major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. They are observing a symbolic hunger strike, with people from various backgrounds joining in solidarity.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt criticized politicians for rushing the amendments into law. He warned that if the government does not withdraw the changes, journalists will stage an indefinite sit-in outside Parliament House. The hunger strike will continue for two more days, followed by a rally where the next course of action will be announced.

RIUJ General Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry condemned the amendments, stating that while murder is a bailable offense in Pakistan, expressing an opinion has become non-bailable. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the law before any negotiations.

In Karachi, KUJ President Tahir Hasan Khan vowed to challenge the law in court and continue protests. KPC President Fazil Jamili stressed the need for a united struggle against media restrictions.

Similar protests took place in Hyderabad, led by PFUJ and HUJ leaders, and in Peshawar under the leadership of Nasir Hussain. Senior journalists in Quetta, including BUJ leaders, also observed a hunger strike. Political leaders, lawyers, trade unions, and civil society members joined journalists to show support.

Protesters accused the government of using the amendments to suppress the media and conceal its failures. They reminded ruling party leaders that they had once supported journalists against such laws while in opposition. The journalist community has vowed to continue its resistance until press freedom is fully restored.