Lawyers, journalists unite against PECA
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD:
Terming the recently enacted PECA (Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act) Amendment Act as a 'black law,' lawyers and journalists have united to challenge the legislation in court. Additionally, the journalists' community has decided to lead a protest movement against the law by observing a 'Black Day' on Friday.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) announced that all press clubs and union offices nationwide would hoist black flags on Friday in protest against the PECA Amendment Act. Rallies will also be organized, and journalists will cover public and private events wearing black wristbands.
The Islamabad High Court Bar has also dubbed the PECA Amendment Act a 'black law' and an attempt to stifle free speech. The bar has demanded the repeal of the amendments, stating that the act contradicts the fundamental human right to freedom of speech. They vowed to challenge the amendments in the Islamabad High Court.
A resolution condemning the PECA Amendment Act was passed by the Islamabad High Court Bar, which termed it an effort to suppress the voices of journalists, social media users, and citizens. A press release issued by the IHC Bar President, Riasat Ali Azad, emphasized that the PECA amendments violate Articles 8 and 19 of the Constitution, which protect the right to freedom of expression. The IHC Bar also stated that the amendments would undermine independent reporting and dissent.
Meanwhile, lawyers from the Lahore Bar Association held a rally against the PECA Amendment Act, marching from Aiwan-e-Adl to the Lahore High Court.
Addressing the rally, Lahore Bar Association President Mubashir Rehman Chaudhry condemned the act, describing it as an example of human rights violations. He pointed out that the Supreme Court Bar Secretary had been suspended for speaking out against the act.
Senior lawyer and Senator Hamid Khan announced that the lawyers' fraternity would hold an All-Pakistan Convention on February 1. He criticized the government for weakening the judiciary, compromising the judicial system, and warned that lawyers must unite to protect the Constitution from further threats. He added, "What will people do if the judiciary becomes weak?" and stressed that the lawyers would not allow government representatives to violate the law.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
18 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Only state can announce jihad: DG ISPR
The military's chief spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has said only the state is authorized to announce jihad against an aggressor and not any individual or group. Lt Gen Chaudhry, who has been on an official visit to Karachi, expressed these views on Sunday during his meetings with people from different walks of life. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general, Pakistani citizens belonging to different religions enjoy equal rights under the Constitution. He said unity could only be ensured through peace and equality. "Divisions based on race or language are condemnable. All citizens of Pakistan are equal. No one can defeat us, if we stand united," he added. The military spokesperson was talking with reference to the recent conflict between Pakistan and India. The two neighbouring nations last month engaged in a brief but dangerous confrontation, weeks after a militant attack in the Pahalgam area of the Indian occupied Kashmir. During the four days of active conflict initiated by India, both the countries launched missile strikes into each other's territory while also carrying out drone and cyberattacks. The conflict came to an abrupt end after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire, apparently on the request of New Delhi. The DG ISPR stated that India supports terror groups in Pakistan and that the Pakistan Army is responding to this threat by using a modern war strategy. Pakistan has been accusing India of fomenting terrorism on its soil, particularly in Balochistan, which has been facing a low key insurgency for the last two decades. During his visit, the ISPR chief was accorded a warm welcome in the country's economic hub.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Only state can declare jihad, not individuals or groups: DG ISPR
Listen to article Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that only the state has the authority to declare jihad and that no individual or group can claim this right, the military's media wing reported on Sunday. According to a statement issued by the ISPR, Lt Gen Chaudhry held a special meeting in Karachi with representatives of various religious and social communities, engaging in discussions focused on national unity and harmony. He emphasised that ethnic or linguistic hatred is a form of ignorance. 'All citizens of Pakistan, regardless of their faith, are equal under the Constitution and enjoy full rights. National unity is only sustained through equality and harmony, If we remain united, no force can defeat us,' he said. Addressing the country's security challenges, he stated, 'India is backing terrorism inside Pakistan. The Pakistan Army is responding with modern warfare strategy and full preparedness.' The participants warmly welcomed the army spokesperson, expressed strong solidarity with the Pakistan Army and appreciated the DG ISPR's initiative, describing the dialogue as valuable. They also expressed a desire for such interfaith and inter-community discussions to continue regularly, the statement concluded.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Opposition walkouts amid passage of resolution commemorating BB's birthday
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Saturday witnessed a dramatic turn during its budget session as the House passed a resolution commemorating the 72nd birth anniversary of late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto — the first woman Prime Minister of the Islamic world — amid loud opposition protests and a walkout. The resolution, presented by veteran parliamentarian and PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, was moved out of turn with special permission from the Deputy Speaker, Anthony Naveed. This procedural bypass infuriated opposition lawmakers, who erupted in protest, raised slogans, and eventually staged a walkout from the Assembly floor. In response to the uproar, Nisar Khuhro addressed the opposition members directly, saying, 'Even you should feel proud of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. By protesting during this resolution, you are only tarnishing your image in the eyes of the people of Sindh. This resolution has been prepared in consultation with Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.' Despite the opposition's absence, the resolution paying tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her birthday was adopted by the House. Later, speaking to the media outside the Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Ali Khursheedi condemned the government's move, calling it a violation of Assembly norms and the Constitution. 'We were told on budget day that no resolutions could be tabled during the budget session. When we tried to bring a resolution in support of Iran, we were denied. But today, the same rules were bent for a political tribute. This selective application of the Constitution is unacceptable,' he said. Khursheedi further remarked, 'Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is indeed a respected figure for all, but no one — regardless of stature — should be paid homage at the cost of violating the House's procedures during a budget session.' Taking a pointed jab, he added, 'I'm merely reminding history — Nisar Khuhro once distributed sweets upon the martyrdom of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.' In a symbolic show of reverence, the Assembly later hosted a ceremonial celebration for the slain PPP leader's birthday. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
