London: The Pakistan Press Club UK held an important meeting under the chairmanship of its central president, Arshad Rachyal, to discuss journalists’ rights and the protection of freedom of expression. The meeting strongly condemned recent amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the state-led oppression against journalists in Pakistan.
Speakers at the meeting labeled the PECA amendments as an attack on press freedom, describing them as an attempt to silence the media and journalist community, which they vowed would not be tolerated. During the session, all officials unanimously agreed to highlight journalists’ issues on international platforms and take all possible measures to safeguard press freedom in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by central office-bearers, including Secretary-General Musarrat Iqbal and executive members. The participants expressed deep concern over the increasing violence, threats, and persecution faced by journalists in Pakistan, condemning such state repression in the strongest terms.
A key decision was made to raise journalists’ rights on various forums, including reaching out to the British government and human rights organizations to ensure press freedom in Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, President Arshad Rachyal emphasized that journalism is a pillar of any democratic society, and any restrictions on it weaken social justice and democratic values. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Press Club UK will continue its struggle for journalists’ rights and serve as a voice for oppressed journalists.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants pledged to fight for press freedom and the protection of journalists on every front, vowing to make every possible sacrifice for this cause.
