The controversial Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, has officially become law following the signature of Acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.
The bill, which has faced significant backlash particularly from journalists and digital rights activists, was given the final nod by Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. He is currently acting governor in the absence of Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Khan, who sources confirm has gone on leave.
Passed by the Punjab Assembly on May 20, the bill ignited fierce protests from the opposition and drew criticism from both local and international journalist groups and rights bodies.
‘Planned’ Move Sparks Outrage
In response to the bill’s enactment, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari condemned the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for what he termed a deceptive tactic. He alleged that the PPP had orchestrated the leave of the Punjab governor to facilitate the bill’s signing.
“The bill was signed by the acting governor by sending the Punjab governor on leave under a plan,” said Ansari. He further accused the PPP of pretending to support journalists while secretly colluding with the provincial government. Ansari announced that an action committee meeting would be convened soon to formulate a future strategy.
Legal Challenges in Lahore High Court
Almost immediately after its approval, the new law faced legal challenges. Petitions were filed in the Lahore High Court by journalist Jaffar Ahmad Yar and citizen Raja Riaz. The petitions name Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the acting governor, and the provincial government as respondents.
The petitioners argue that the defamation law violates the constitution and existing legal frameworks, stating that a new law cannot be established when the Defamation Act is already in place. They also criticized the government for not consulting journalists before the bill’s passage and approval.
“Defamation law was hastily introduced to control the media,” the petitioners asserted, urging the court to invalidate the “draconian” legislation.
The enactment of the Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, marks a significant and contentious development in the province, promising continued debate and legal battles ahead.
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