Islamabad [Pakistan], August 19 (ANI): The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the filing of cases against four female journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Dawn reported.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) initiated the cases against four members of the National Press Club (NPC) following a complaint lodged by another NPC member. The journalists were part of a committee formed to address a grievance filed by one of the members against her ex-husband, who is also affiliated with the NPC.
After the committee concluded that both parties had engaged in misconduct, the husband approached the FIA, leading to the registration of cases against the committee members. He alleged that his ex-wife was harassing him on social media and claimed the NPC members were “aiding” her, according to the report.
The PFUJ criticized PECA, arguing that the law has been misused to pressure the media and suppress free expression. The union said the FIA acted without giving the four journalists an opportunity to defend themselves, calling the move a misapplication of this “black law” against journalists who were addressing a harassment complaint.
Filing a case against female journalists for investigating and responding to a complaint by a fellow journalist against her spouse represents a serious abuse of power, the PFUJ stated.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt and General Secretary Arshad Ansari expressed solidarity with the affected journalists and demanded that the cases be dismissed immediately. “The PFUJ urges the prime minister and the interior minister to take immediate steps to annul the charges against the senior female journalists. We also seek accountability for the officials and the complainant who unlawfully filed the case, which constitutes harassment and intimidation towards journalists,” their statement said, as cited by Dawn.
The PFUJ reiterated its call for the repeal of PECA, which has faced widespread criticism for stifling press freedom and silencing independent voices. The leadership warned that failure to meet these demands would result in nationwide protests, stressing that journalists will continue resisting attempts to infringe upon their rights and freedoms. (ANI)
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