Journalism is not a crime۔۔۔it is a mirror of society
By Muhammad Mansoor Mumtaz
The “Provincial Journalists Convention” held at the Lahore Press Club was not merely a routine gathering; it emerged as a decisive voice on press freedom, freedom of expression, and the economic rights of media workers in Pakistan.
The convention unanimously rejected the amendments to the PECA Act 2025, declaring it a “black law” that, though framed in the name of state regulation, appears in practice as an attempt to curb journalistic freedom.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and Provincial Minister for Information Azma Zahid Bukhari attended as chief guests, while a large number of senior journalists, media representatives, and members of various journalistic organizations from across the province highlighted the seriousness of the issue.
The gathering reflected a clear shift: the media community is no longer a silent observer but an organized and assertive force.
In her address, Azma Zahid Bukhari presented a balanced yet government-aligned perspective. She emphasized that ensuring timely payment of salaries to media workers remains a priority and announced audits of government advertisements to assess financial allocations and salary obligations.
This stance is significant, as financial insecurity among journalists directly impacts freedom of expression. However, her remarks also sparked debate when she questioned whether, in the absence of laws like PECA, even sensitive national security matters would be left unchecked on social media.
While this concern carries weight, the solution may lie less in stringent legislation and more in dialogue, training, and the promotion of responsible journalism. The minister herself acknowledged that governments should not “teach” journalists, suggesting instead that media institutions must develop their own code of conduct.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider made a crucial admission, acknowledging that stakeholders were not consulted during the formulation of PECA, which led to the current confrontation. This highlights a broader issue in Pakistan’s legislative process, where unilateral decisions often result in resistance and mistrust.
His emphasis on consultation as the path to consensus is both realistic and necessary.
On the other hand, journalistic leaders demonstrated remarkable unity. President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Afzal Butt stated that the media community is actively working on a comprehensive code of conduct.
This is a positive development, as self-regulation is essential for maintaining credibility within any profession.
Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club, termed PECA a “draconian law” and pointed out that every government since 2016 has contributed to its evolution, yet the 2025 amendments have united all journalist bodies on a single platform.
His observation that defamation laws appear to target journalists disproportionately raises a critical question about equality before the law.
The resolution passed at the convention encapsulated the collective sentiment. It clearly stated that PECA is being used to suppress journalists and silence the media.
Cases against journalists, restrictions on international travel, and judicial harassment have created an environment where speaking the truth is increasingly risky.
This resolution is not merely a set of demands but also a warning: restricting freedom of expression will inevitably weaken the democratic structure.
Journalism is often regarded as the “fourth pillar” of the state, and if this pillar is undermined, the entire democratic framework is at risk.
Another critical aspect highlighted was the economic plight of media workers. Non-payment of salaries and dues is not just a professional issue; it is a direct assault on press freedom.
Financially vulnerable journalists are more likely to face constraints on their independence and objectivity.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the PECA Act 2025 is fundamentally a reflection of the trust deficit between the state and the media.
The solution lies not in coercive laws but in transparent dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared sense of responsibility.
Journalism is not a crime۔۔۔it is a mirror of society. And breaking the mirror does not change reality; it merely obscures the face.
