The Punjab Assembly passed the contentious Defamation Bill 2024 on Monday, igniting fierce protests from opposition members and media representatives. The treasury benches defended the bill as a measure to combat fake news, while media bodies labeled it as “draconian.”
Punjab’s Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mujtaba Mian Shuja-ur-Rehman, presented the bill despite requests from media representatives to delay the vote. Earlier, media bodies met with Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, urging her to defer the bill for further deliberation, but their pleas were disregarded.
The assembly session was marred by chaos as opposition lawmakers vocally opposed the bill, tearing copies in protest, while journalists boycotted the proceedings. Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar condemned the bill as a “black law,” criticizing the rejection of all proposed amendments from the opposition.
“Defamation shall be a civil wrong,” the bill states, allowing defamation claims without proof of actual damage, with presumed damages for the defamed. It targets fake news on platforms like YouTube and social media, establishing tribunals to resolve cases within six months.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed serious concerns over the bill’s implications. In a statement, the HRCP criticized the creation of parallel judicial structures and the expedited timeline for defamation claims, fearing it would undermine fundamental rights and judicial fairness. The HRCP also highlighted the bill’s provision for special tribunals for high-ranking officials, which it argued violates the principle of equality before the law.
The HRCP further decried the rushed approval process, stating, “Five days is too short for meaningful consultation with civil society and media stakeholders.”
Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari condemned the bill as an assault on press freedom, vowing that media bodies would stage protests against the legislation. “This is not a democratic bill. There is no compromise on press freedom,” Ansari asserted.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of media bodies, in a joint statement, stressed the need for balanced legislation that protects individual rights while upholding freedom of expression. The JAC called for extensive discussions with media organizations and other stakeholders before passing such impactful legislation.
The Punjab Assembly’s decision has sparked a significant backlash, with media bodies united in their opposition and prepared to escalate their protests. As the situation unfolds, the future of press freedom in Punjab hangs in the balance.
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