ISLAMABAD: The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has launched a hunger strike outside the Islamabad Press Club to protest what it describes as growing challenges faced by journalists and media workers, including alleged forced terminations, non-payment of salaries and arrests under the PECA law.
The protest has brought journalists and representatives of the journalist community together outside the press club, where participants are demanding immediate measures to address what they say are serious violations of the professional and economic rights of media workers.
According to the protesting journalists, forced layoffs have become a major concern in the media industry. They maintain that journalists and other media employees are being removed from their jobs without adequate protection or consideration for their outstanding financial dues.
Another major issue raised during the protest is the alleged delay or non-payment of salaries. Journalists say that media workers continue to perform their professional duties despite financial difficulties, while delayed salaries have placed additional pressure on employees and their families.
The protesters have also expressed concern over arrests and legal action against journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). They called for journalists to be provided due legal protection and for laws regulating digital and journalistic activity not to be used in a manner that, in their view, restricts legitimate journalism or freedom of expression.
Journalists demand protection of professional rights
RIUJ representatives stressed that the issues being highlighted through the hunger strike are not limited to individual journalists but affect the wider media community.
They demanded an end to what they described as forced terminations and called upon media organisations to clear outstanding salaries and other financial dues of employees.
The protesting journalists also urged relevant authorities to take notice of the difficulties faced by media workers and ensure that journalists are able to perform their professional responsibilities without undue pressure or fear of legal repercussions.
The union’s position is that a free and independent media requires not only freedom of expression but also economic and professional security for those working in the industry.
PECA-related arrests also highlighted
The protesters made arrests and cases under PECA one of the key issues of the demonstration.
They argued that journalists should not face disproportionate legal pressure merely for carrying out their professional responsibilities. At the same time, any allegation of unlawful activity remains subject to the applicable legal process and determination by the relevant authorities and courts.
The journalists called for greater clarity and safeguards in cases involving members of the media, particularly where journalistic work, social media activity and freedom of expression intersect with cybercrime legislation.
Protest to continue
The hunger strike is being presented by RIUJ as part of its campaign for the protection of journalists and media workers.
The protesters have indicated that they expect the relevant authorities and media organisations to take their demands seriously. They have also warned that the scope of the protest could be expanded if meaningful progress is not made on the issues raised by the union.
The demonstration outside the Islamabad Press Club has once again brought the economic security of media workers, freedom of expression and the legal environment surrounding journalism into focus.
The next course of action will depend on the response from the government, relevant institutions and media organisations to the demands raised by the journalists’ representative body.
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