The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan regarding the controversial PECA Act and the problems faced by journalists.
According to sources, a copy of the letter written by the IFJ was also sent to the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, and the President of PFUJ, expressing concerns over the PECA Act.
The letter stated that journalists in Pakistan are facing increasing threats while performing their professional duties, and are being subjected to cases, harassment, and threats under the PECA law.
The IFJ stated in the letter that Pakistan has signed conventions of the International Labour Organization and the United Nations, yet freedom of expression and fundamental rights are being restricted under PECA. According to the Press Freedom Report, 34 violations have been reported.
The letter further mentioned that several cases of attacks, harassment, hate speech, and violence on social media against journalists have been reported. Journalists in Pakistan are facing non-payment of salaries, illegal dismissals, and security threats.
The IFJ stated that allowing direct appeals to the Supreme Court is equivalent to bypassing the High Courts. The IFJ sent two missions to Pakistan, which met directly with media workers. The Supreme Court should reassess the PECA law and direct the government to make amendments.
In the letter, the IFJ demanded immediate action to protect press freedom under Article 19. It mentioned that seven journalists were killed in Pakistan within a year and appealed to the Chief Justice to review the PECA law immediately.
