Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A major press conference held by Pakistan's Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, to discuss the country's new federal budget was abruptly disrupted as journalists staged a coordinated walkout in protest of a controversial new law.
The incident occurred in Islamabad shortly after the finance minister began his briefing. Members of the press gallery stood up, began chanting slogans such as "black law unacceptable," and walked out of the hall, leaving government officials stunned.
The protest was organized by major journalist bodies, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ). Their anger is directed at the newly passed Punjab Defamation Act, 2024, which they argue is a "draconian" piece of legislation aimed at stifling press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar attempted to intervene and pacify the protesting journalists. He argued that the law was a provincial matter specific to Punjab and not a federal one, and assured them that the government was open to consultations.
However, his assurances were not enough to quell the dissent. The journalists proceeded with their walkout, signaling a deep and growing rift between the Pakistani media and the government over what they perceive as a direct assault on their fundamental rights. The high-profile nature of the budget presser ensured their protest received maximum attention.
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