PUJ finalises arrangements for Punjab Media Convention on April 8

LAHORE (RNN TV) — The Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ) on Friday finalised arrangements for the Punjab Media Convention scheduled for April 8, with a renewed pledge to campaign against the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and other “black laws”.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the PUJ Executive Council held at the Lahore Press Club (LPC), presided over by PUJ President Naeem Hanif. Arshad Ansari, Secretary General of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, attended as a special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ansari said the convention was part of a nationwide series of journalist gatherings already held in multiple cities, adding that the Lahore event would bring together political parties, civil society, lawyers and human rights representatives. He said the convention would adopt a joint declaration calling for the repeal of PECA and similar laws, and announce participation in a planned sit-in outside the Parliament House Islamabad as the final phase of the movement.

Mr Ansari said efforts were underway to take all political parties on board to ensure legislative action against laws curbing press freedom and freedom of expression.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Hanif said alongside press freedom, the protection of journalists’ economic rights remained a pressing issue, citing recent layoffs in several media organisations.

He announced that journalists would boycott proceedings of the Punjab Assembly on Monday and stage a protest under the banner of the parliamentary reporters’ press gallery.

The meeting was attended by PUJ General Secretary Qamaruzzaman Bhatti, Treasurer Jawad Hassan Gul, Punjab Assembly Press Gallery President Khawaja Naseer, and other senior journalists and members of the executive council and organising committees.