Journalists Protest as Pakistan Amends Peca, Tightening Control Over Digital Media

On February 1, 2025, Pakistani journalists observed a ‘Black Day’ to protest recent amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca). These changes, rapidly enacted by the ruling coalition and signed into law by the president, introduce stricter penalties for what authorities may label as ‘fake news’, increase state oversight of digital platforms, and propose new regulatory bodies to monitor social media. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the amendments as a ‘black’ law, criticizing ruling parties for supporting freedom of expression while in opposition but undermining it once in power. The PFUJ announced a nationwide ‘press freedom movement’ in collaboration with rights activists and plans to legally challenge the law alongside lawyers across the country. They argue that the amendments enable detentions and penalties without fair trial procedures, posing a threat to press freedom and individual rights.