Journalist Aslam Shah is set to appear before the court of the Judicial Magistrate-I, South District, at the City Courts Karachi on Monday. This hearing follows his arrest and subsequent release on bail in a case filed under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Case Details and Legal Proceedings
The case against Shah was registered under Sections 20 and 24 of PECA based on a complaint from an officer of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation. Following his arrest, he was remanded to judicial custody at Malir Jail. However, on January 14, the court ordered his immediate release on bail after hearing arguments from both defence lawyers and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). A significant number of journalists and lawyers were present during that hearing.
Widespread Condemnation and Solidarity
Shah's arrest has ignited protests and strong condemnation across Pakistan. Major journalists' organizations, human rights groups, and civil society have denounced the use of PECA against a media professional. The Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) and the Karachi Press Club have labeled the case as "false and baseless" and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The KUJ executive committee has called PECA a "black law" that is being misused to target working journalists. In a show of unity, these groups have announced they will gather at the City Courts to attend Monday's proceedings and express solidarity with Shah.
A Broader Campaign for Press Freedom
Speaking earlier, Aslam Shah thanked his colleagues, lawyers, and rights activists for their support. Participants in the movement emphasize that their struggle extends beyond this single case. They view it as a critical part of a larger campaign against the alleged misuse of PECA to silence journalists performing their professional duties.
Journalists' organizations, lawyers, human rights defenders, social activists, and labour representatives have all stressed the urgent need to strengthen unity. They warn that only collective action can prevent the filing of similar cases against reporters in the future and safeguard press freedom in Pakistan.
The KUJ also expressed gratitude for the support from PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Secretary Arshad Ansari, senior journalists Mazhar Abbas and Khurshid Abbasi, Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Aslam Khan, and numerous other journalists, lawyers, labour leaders, and human rights activists.
