The journalist community in Peshawar has strongly condemned the PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) notice issued to senior journalist Irfan Khan, calling it a direct attack on freedom of expression and an abuse of legal power.

During a protest organised by the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) outside the Peshawar Press Club, KhUJ President Kashifuddin Syed denounced PECA as a "black law" that journalists have historically rejected and continue to oppose. “The registration of cases under this law is completely unacceptable,” he said.

The protest was sparked by a notice served to Irfan Khan; Vice President of the Peshawar Press Club, by the FIA Cyber Crime Wing, summoning him on August 25 over a social media post in which he alleged corruption in the transfer and posting of Deputy Commissioners across three districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The provincial government labeled his claims defamatory and baseless.

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Speakers at the protest demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notice and warned that failure to do so would be tantamount to throttling press freedom. “Democracy in Pakistan hinges on a free and independent media,” said Syed. “Any attempt to silence journalists is not only unconstitutional but also restricts the public's right to know.”

Journalists also called for the complete repeal of PECA and immediate dismissal of all cases against media professionals. They warned that protests would escalate and a larger demonstration could be held outside the KP Assembly if action is not taken.

Prominent figures including Peshawar Press Club President M. Riaz, PFUJ President Shamim Shahid, and former KhUJ President Nasir Hussain participated in the protest. Slogans in support of press freedom and the right to free speech echoed through the crowd.

Irfan Khan, in a follow-up tweet, doubled down on his allegations, saying he stands by his claims and intends to expose more cases of corruption.

A senior journalist, speaking on condition of anonymity, criticised the provincial government's stance, pointing out that the same ruling party had previously passed a resolution in the KP Assembly against PECA, and is now misusing it.

Sources suggest authorities may be reconsidering their approach, and instead of pursuing the current notice, a new defamation-based legal notice could be issued.

It’s worth noting that on July 8, the Peshawar High Court had dismissed a PECA case against journalist Muhammad Zahid from Mardan, stating that police lack authority to register FIRs under PECA and relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The decision was seen by many as a major win for press freedom.