DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Journalists across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, staged protest demonstrations on the call of the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) against the recent amendments to the PECA Amendments Bill 2025 , terming it an attack on press freedom.
A large demonstration was held outside the Peshawar Press Club on Saturday, where journalists, political leaders, and civil society members rejected the amendments, calling them an attempt to silence critical voices. Among those who participated were Awami National Party (ANP) Provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain, General Secretary Arsalan Khan, PTI senior leader Sher Ali Arbab, businessman Mujeebur Rehman, and several other prominent figures.
KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed, General Secretary Irshad Ali, and Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz addressed the protest, strongly condemning the amendments. They asserted that legislation restricting press freedom without consultation is unacceptable and vowed to continue opposing such moves.
Speakers criticized the federal government’s attempt to use “fake news” as a pretext to curb free speech and warned that if the amendments were not withdrawn, protests would intensify. They also condemned the PTI led government motion against Peshawar Press Club Vice President Irfan Khan, demanding its immediate withdrawal.
During the protest, journalist leaders warned the government that if the controversial amendments to the PECA were not withdrawn, the protests would be intensified and expanded.
The demonstrators called on the government to review the law immediately and take steps to safeguard press freedom. Journalists participating in the protest reaffirmed their commitment to defending their rights, vowing to continue their movement until their demands are met.
