Punjab Governor Saleem Haider expressed opposition to the defamation bill, stating that the PPP also opposes it.
He mentioned this during a media interaction in Dubai. The bill became law after interim Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan signed it, as Haider was absent. Despite not signing it, Haider noted that the bill would automatically become law after 15 days.
Haider emphasized the need for legislation to address defamation on social media. He pledged to meet with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of media bodies upon his return to Pakistan to address their concerns. The JAC, consisting of various media organizations, announced a boycott of government events in protest against the bill.
The media bodies held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and decided to protest against the law, terming it against human values. They planned to consult with political parties, bar councils, and international human rights organizations. Petitions challenging the law were filed in the Lahore High Court, arguing that it violates the Constitution and was introduced hastily without consulting journalists.