Press Freedom Day: Civil Society Demands PECA Repeal, Media Protections

On World Press Freedom Day, multiple civil society organisations and journalist bodies in Pakistan called on the government to repeal the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and lift what they described as systematic curbs on independent media. Pakistan Awami Tehreek demanded free media access as a prerequisite for protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, while the Joint Action Committee raised alarm over deteriorating safety conditions for journalists across the country.

The calls reflect persistent concerns within Pakistan's media fraternity about legislative instruments that critics argue have been used to silence dissent and criminalise reporting. PECA, amended in recent years, has drawn sustained criticism from domestic journalists and international press freedom watchdogs alike for enabling government overreach over digital expression.

The Journalist Action Committee specifically highlighted the physical and legal vulnerabilities faced by reporters operating in conflict-affected regions and politically sensitive beats. Incidents of intimidation, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention were cited as evidence of a deeply hostile environment for the press.

World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, serves as a global benchmark for assessing media environments. Pakistan consistently ranks among the most dangerous countries for journalists in international indices, lending urgency to the domestic chorus of reform demands raised on this occasion.