The Punjab Assembly has passed the controversial Defamation bill 2024, rejecting protests by the opposition members and journalists.
One of the major clauses of the bill included the proposal for the formation of tribunal to try those who involved in publishing, posting or airing “fake news.” The bill said such cases will be decided within the period of six months, suggesting up to three million rupees fine against accused. It further stated that the high court will hear the case in case a person holding a constitutional post involved in the defamation.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman tabled the bill as the ruling PML-N has refused to delay the voting. The PTI members tore apart the copies of the bill and raised slogans in front of speaker’s chair. The journalists, covering the proceedings, also held protest demonstration and declared the bill as the black law. They said they would resist the government tactic to put curb on the freedom of expression. They said the government formed on fraudulent mandate, even having no legitimacy to rule the province. Pakistan, said the journalists, is the country where the freedom of speech is being controlled with draconian laws already in place . The new law, they said, aimed at putting a complete ban on traditional and social media. The journalists vowed to continue protest and challenge the law before the court. It is merit mention here that X is already banned in Pakistan and the authorities are resisting the court direction regarding lifting the ban.
