Members of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists shout slogans during a protest against amendments in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in Karachi on January 28, 2025. Pakistan criminalised online disinformation on January 28, passing legislation that enshrines punishments of up to three years in prison, a decision journalists say is designed to crack down on dissent. (Photo by Asif HASSAN / AFP)
Brussels, April 7, 2025
The Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Anthony Bellanger, has labeled Pakistan’s controversial “PECA Act” as a “black law” and stated that if the Pakistani government does not revoke it, the IFJ will seek assistance from the United Nations. He emphasized that the law severely impacts freedom of expression and press freedom.
A delegation from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) met with the IFJ headquarters in Brussels, where they gave a detailed briefing on the cases filed under the PECA Act against journalists and civilians. The delegation called for international action against this black law. The PFUJ delegation, led by the newly elected Secretary-General Shakil Ahmad, included Azim Dar, President of the Brussels Press Club, Mirza Imran Baig, Secretary of Finance, and Malik Fakhar Jilani, President of the Pakistan Press Club Milan (Italy).
Anthony Bellanger stated that the IFJ will write letters to the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice of Pakistan, and will involve officials from Asia-Pacific, Europe, America, Canada, and Africa in the matter. He added that if the Pakistani government does not revoke the PECA Act, the IFJ will appeal to the United Nations, as Pakistan is bound by the UN Charter.
The IFJ also pledged to continue modern training programs for Pakistani journalists and announced that on May 3rd (World Press Freedom Day), journalistic organizations around the world will join the PFUJ in launching a global campaign against the PECA Act.
