Journalists to Protest Outside National Press Club Against PECA Act and Restrictions

Islamabad, February 17, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in collaboration with the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), RIUJ Dastoor, and the Azad Group, has announced a protest against the PECA Act, restrictions imposed on journalistic organizations within the National Press Club (NPC), and the alleged mistreatment of PFUJ Dastoor President and former NPC President, Haji Nawaz Raza. The protest is scheduled outside the National Press Club on February 21-22, 2025.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference at the PFUJ central secretariat, where prominent journalists, including RIUJ President Tariq Usmani, RIUJ Dastoor President Rana Kausar Ali, and Azad Group leader Shakeel Qarar, addressed the media.

During the press conference, newly elected PFUJ Secretary-General Shakeel Ahmed, Vice President Qaiser Mirza, Vice President Farhat Fatima, Ishaq Chaudhry, RIUJ Dastoor General Secretary Raheel Nawaz Swati, Vice President Razzaq Bhatti, Finance Secretary Arif Malik, Joint Secretary Manzoor Salahriya, RIUJ Vice President Faisal Awan, Finance Secretary Yasir Nazar, and Information Secretary Mudassir Ilyas Kayani, along with several other journalists, were present.

Strong Condemnation of Alleged Misconduct

Speaking at the event, Tariq Usmani strongly condemned the alleged misconduct by the NPC President towards senior journalist Haji Nawaz Raza. He criticized the NPC administration for refusing to provide space for the memorial of the late journalist Ramzan Adil, calling it an undemocratic move. He emphasized that the National Press Club should not be monopolized by a select few and vowed to raise a strong voice against the administration’s double standards.

Shakeel Qarar stated that the NPC administration is fearful of journalists’ rights and has been disrespecting senior journalists. He declared that no individual or group would be allowed to take over the press club, adding that the current administration’s decline has already begun.

Rana Kausar Ali also condemned the alleged unethical behavior towards Haji Nawaz Raza. He pointed out that while the NPC allows entertainment events, it refuses to permit gatherings to honor deceased journalists, which he termed deeply disappointing.

Call for Mass Protest on February 21-22

Journalistic organizations unanimously decided to hold a large-scale protest outside the National Press Club on February 21-22. The demonstration will be against the PECA Act, the club’s restrictive policies, and its alleged undemocratic management. The journalists reaffirmed their commitment to protecting press freedom and upholding their rights through continuous efforts and protests.

The protest is expected to gather wide participation from the journalist community, highlighting key concerns over press freedom and governance in journalistic institutions across the country.

Published in The Gwadar Post, 18 Feb 2025