PUJ announces protests over delayed salaries, plans post-Eid convention against PECA

LAHORE  (RNN TV) — The newly elected Executive Council of the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) at its first meeting on Wednesday decided to stage protests against media owners who fail to pay salaries before Eid and to step up its campaign against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The meeting, chaired by PUJ President Naeem Hanif at the Lahore Press Club, reviewed the economic challenges faced by journalists, particularly delays in salary payments at several media organisations. The council approved proposals to organise protests outside media houses, hold meetings with the provincial information minister and other government representatives, and initiate dialogue with media owners. It was also decided that formal letters would be sent and meetings sought to address the issue.

Expressing concern over salary delays at major outlets, including New News Media Group and 365 News, Mr Hanif said the union would not remain silent over the financial hardships faced by media workers ahead of Eid.

The council also resolved to intensify its movement against PECA, announcing a major protest convention in Lahore after Eidul Fitr as part of a nationwide campaign. PUJ leaders said they would approach political parties — including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP) and Jamaat-i-Islami — as well as labour organisations, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and bar associations to mobilise support for amendments to the law.

PUJ General Secretary Qamaruzzaman Bhatti said a meeting would be sought with Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari to raise concerns about journalists’ salaries. The council also demanded the immediate appointment of a new chairman of ITNE and decided to take up the matter again with Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar.

The meeting approved the launch of a new PUJ membership drive and the formation of union units across media organisations. It also endorsed the formation of an election committee for PUJ’s 2027 polls, nominating senior journalist Hasnainur Rehman Qureshi as chairman.

The council appreciated the services of the election committee that conducted the 2026 PUJ elections and thanked Lahore Press Club President and PFUJ Secretary General Arshad Ansari and LPC General Secretary Afzal Talib for facilitating the electoral process.

Among those present at the meeting were Vice President Sher Ali Khalti, Joint Secretary Khalid Rashid, Finance Secretary Jawad Hassan Gill and members of the executive council.