PFUJ condemns PECA cases against senior women journalists, demands immediate dismissal

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the registration of cases against senior women journalists Nayyar Ali, Sehrish Qureshi, Myra Imran, and Shakeela Jalil under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The law has long been criticized for being used to suppress dissent and stifle free speech.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and General Secretary Arshad Ansari expressed solidarity with the affected journalists, calling the cases an assault on press freedom and basic human rights. They demanded that the government withdraw the charges.

The union said the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) acted unlawfully by registering cases without giving the journalists an opportunity to explain their position. According to PFUJ, this reflects the continued misuse of PECA against professional journalists who were only addressing a harassment case filed based on a written complaint.

“Registering a case against women journalists for pursuing a complaint about a woman’s husband is not only unjust but also an affront to the principles of journalism and human dignity,” the PFUJ statement said.

The PFUJ also revealed that four administrators and 171 members of the National Press Club (NPC) Women’s Caucus WhatsApp group were included in the case. The union demanded immediate action against the officials and complainant who illegally pursued the matter, terming it harassment and intimidation of journalists.

Reiterating its long-standing stance, the PFUJ again called for the repeal of the PECA Act, warning that its provisions continue to threaten freedom of expression and muzzle independent voices in Pakistan.

The union cautioned that if the government fails to dismiss the cases and hold the responsible officials accountable, journalists across the country will stage strong protests to defend their rights.
Source : PFUJ/JP