Governor Signs Controversial Punjab Defamation Law

The Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 has officially become law after acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan signed it, sources reported on Saturday. The bill, which faced significant criticism from journalists and digital rights activists, received the final approval in the absence of Governor Sardar Salim Khan, who is currently on leave.

The Punjab Assembly passed the bill on May 20 amid noisy protests from the opposition and backlash from rights organizations, both locally and internationally. Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari condemned the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for deceiving journalists, accusing the party of orchestrating Governor Sardar Salim’s leave to ensure the bill’s passage.

Immediately following its approval, the law was challenged in the Lahore High Court. Petitions were filed by journalist Jaffar Ahmad Yar and citizen Raja Riaz, arguing that the defamation law violates the constitution and existing legal framework. The petitions emphasized that journalists were not consulted before the bill’s approval and described the law as a means to control the media.

Farieha Aziz, co-founder of digital rights advocacy group Bolo Bhi, asserted that the law was introduced to favor the ruling elite and suppress dissent.

Aziz stressed the need for challenging the law and criticized the lack of genuine consultation during its drafting.

PPP Punjab Parliamentary leader Syed Ali Haider Gilani also voiced opposition, stating that the party’s legislators were not consulted and reiterating PPP’s commitment to media freedom. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed serious concerns over the bill.