The Punjab Assembly passed the Defamation Bill 2024, even though there was strong opposition from media groups and political parties.
Members of the Sunni Ittehad Council protested by tearing up copies of the bill. Media organizations, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE), announced a protest outside the Lahore Press Club, calling the bill undemocratic. They criticized the PML-N-led government for claiming to support press freedom when out of power but acting differently when in power.
The Defamation Bill 2024 aims to tackle fake news and misinformation on social media, allowing defamation cases against those spreading false information, with fines up to Rs3 million and special tribunals for quick verdicts. Critics worry that the bill could suppress free speech and favor powerful individuals.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and legal experts also expressed concerns about the bill’s broad definition of defamation and potential misuse to silence dissent. Despite promises from Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari to delay the bill for more discussion, the government went ahead, causing widespread concern among journalists, legal experts, and human rights groups.