HRCP demands repeal of Peca, supports PFUJ’s drive against it

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for the complete repeal of the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) and announced full support for the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) movement.

During a joint press conference at the Lahore Press Club, PFUJ Secretary-General and Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari was joined by HRCP Co-Chairperson Munizae Jahangir, prominent HRCP leader Salima Hashmi, HRCP Vice Chairman Raja Ashraf, senior journalist Zahid Hussain, HRCP Council Member Rubina Azhar, HRCP Director Farah Zia, digital rights activist Usama Khilji, PFUJ General Secretary Qamar-uz-Zaman Bhatti, and Punjab Assembly Press Gallery President Khawaja Nasir.

The speakers condemned Peca as a direct attack on freedom of the press and freedom of expression. They demanded the government announce a complete repeal of the law rather than amendments.

PFUJ Secretary-General Arshad Ansari stated that journalists oppose fake news but claimed Peca was being used to impose authoritarianism, with political parties in parliament playing a shameful role.

HRCP leader Salima Hashmi emphasized that Peca imposes restrictions on freedom of expression and thought, which are unacceptable. She urged a united struggle by lawyers, civil society, journalists, and human rights organizations against Peca, as it aims to silence public voices and enforce control by a specific group.

HRCP Co-Chairperson Munizae Jahangir warned that the law could lead to judicial division and push the country towards dictatorship. She criticized all parliamentary parties, except Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam JUIF), for supporting the passage of Peca. Jahangir assured PFUJ of HRCP’s full support in its anti-Peca campaign.

HRCP Vice Chairman Raja Ashraf stated that the law targets the people of Pakistan, and HRCP stands firmly with PFUJ in its fight against it.

Senior journalist Zahid Hussain called for outright rejection of Peca and emphasized the need for collective action by lawyers, journalists, and human rights activists.

HRCP Director Farah Zia described Peca as a grave assault on freedom of expression, stressing that its repeal is essential for protecting civil liberties.

Digital rights activist Usama Khilji declared Peca unacceptable and vowed to stand with PFUJ on every front against it.