The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the registration of cases against four women journalists, Nayyar Ali, Sehrish Qureshi, Maira Imran, and Shakeela Jalil, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

The cases were lodged by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on the complaint of a National Press Club (NPC) member, who alleged harassment by his former wife and claimed the NPC committee members were “facilitating” her. The four journalists were part of the committee that had earlier ruled both husband and wife guilty of misconduct.

PFUJ leaders Afzal Butt and Arshad Ansari denounced the move as a “gross misuse of power” and an attempt to intimidate journalists. They noted the FIA acted without offering the journalists an opportunity for explanation. The union reiterated its demand for the repeal of PECA, widely criticised as a tool to stifle free speech, and warned of nationwide protests if the cases are not dismissed.