NNP Islamabad/ Rawalpindi – The All Pakistan Newspapers and Electronic Media Employees Confederation (EPNIC) has categorically rejected the controversial PECA Ordinance, terming it a “black law” and vowing to continue its struggle against it in collaboration with other media organizations. The announcement came during a meeting of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Local EPNIC, held under the chairmanship of Local Chairman Rana Rizwan Arshad.
The meeting, which was attended by Central Chairman EPNIC Muhammad Siddique Anzar, saw the participation of key office bearers, including Central Finance Secretary Kaleem Shamim, APNIC Coordinator Abdul Malik Azad, General Secretary Local APNIC Muhammad Shiraz Khan, and other prominent members such as Azhar Latif, Raja Javed Khan, Rao Tahir, Zahid Hussain, Khalid Sheikh, Gulzar Gilani, Imran Ashraf, Muhammad Yasin, Atiqur Rehman, Kanwal Ranjha (Dera Khazi Khan), and Nasir Mahmood Abbasi.
During the meeting, several resolutions were passed, and various committees were formed to address the pressing issues faced by media workers. EPNIC has demanded that the government immediately withdraw the PECA Ordinance, which it claims stifles press freedom and undermines the rights of journalists and media employees. Additionally, the confederation called for the prompt appointment of members to the Implementation Tribunal for Newspaper Employees (ITNE) to ensure the resolution of media workers’ grievances.
EPNIC also emphasized the need for fair wages and better working conditions for media workers. The confederation demanded that the minimum salary for media house employees be set at Rs. 37,000 and urged the government to prioritize resolving other longstanding issues faced by media workers.
Speaking on the occasion, Local Chairman Rana Rizwan Arshad assured that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of EPNIC would be convened in Islamabad immediately after Ramadan. He pledged to make the best arrangements for the attendees and reiterated EPNIC’s commitment to fighting for the rights of media workers across the country.
Central Chairman Muhammad Siddique Anzar echoed these sentiments, stating, “The PECA Ordinance is an attack on press freedom and the rights of media workers. We will not rest until this black law is withdrawn and the voices of media employees are heard.”
The meeting concluded with a resolve to strengthen collaboration with other media organizations and continue the struggle against oppressive laws and policies. EPNIC’s unwavering stance highlights the growing concerns within the media industry and underscores the need for immediate government action to address these issues.
As the confederation prepares for its upcoming National Executive Committee meeting, media workers across Pakistan remain hopeful that their demands will be met and their rights safeguarded.
