Dhudial: On the nationwide call of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) for a Black Day protest against the PECA Act Amendment Bill, a massive protest rally was organized in Chakwal District under the call of PFUJ and RIUJ (Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists). The rally started from the bus stop, with participating journalists wearing black armbands and holding placards inscribed with protest slogans. Chants of “PECA Act unacceptable, unacceptable!” and “Attack on press freedom unacceptable, unacceptable!” echoed throughout the demonstration.
The rally was led by Muhammad Riaz Anjum, President of RIUJ Chakwal-Talagang Unit, and was joined by General Secretary Muhammad Ali Awan, Vice President Nazar Chaudhry, Finance Secretary Syed Wajeeh Kazmi, Vice President Raja Burhan Ghani, Chairman Executive Body Taoqeer Anwar, and Information Secretary Raja Saqib Abbas. Other RIUJ members from across the district, including Mirza Sajid Iqbal, Sajid Baloch, Mohsin Jafari, Mehboob Jarrah, Azhar Kahoot, and Naseem Abbas, also participated. Among other journalists were Chaudhry Imran Qaiser Abbas, Mehran Zafar, and Abdul Rehman Masoomi.
Speaking on the occasion, RIUJ Chakwal-Talagang Unit President Muhammad Riaz Anjum and General Secretary Muhammad Ali Awan stated that the PECA Act Amendment Bill is a law that deprives journalists of their rights and is equivalent to suppressing press freedom. They completely reject this oppressive law and demand that the government immediately withdraw it. Otherwise, they will launch a nationwide protest movement and stand shoulder to shoulder with their leaders.
