The Acting Governor of Punjab, Malik Ahmad Khan, signed the controversial Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 on Saturday, which had been previously passed by the Punjab Assembly. The bill will become effective once it is officially published in the government gazette.
The Defamation Bill 2024, intended to curb the spread of fake news across various media platforms, has faced significant opposition. The previous Punjab Governor, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, had expressed reservations about the bill, suggesting it be reconsidered by the provincial assembly and emphasizing the need for input from all stakeholders, including the journalist community. However, the bill was signed by Acting Governor Malik Ahmed Khan while Governor Saleem Haider was on leave.
Earlier in the day, the Defamation Bill was challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC).
The petitioner urged the court to declare the bill unconstitutional and void.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed grave concerns, highlighting that the bill proposes a parallel judicial structure, which could violate fundamental rights and fair judicial norms.
Key aspects of the Defamation Bill 2024 include:
- Targeting Fake News: The bill addresses misinformation across print, electronic, and social media platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Defamation Cases: It allows defamation cases to be filed against those spreading fake news.
- Penalties: The bill proposes fines of up to Rs3 million.
- Special Tribunals: Special tribunals will hear defamation cases and are required to deliver verdicts within six months.
- High Court Involvement: In cases involving individuals holding constitutional posts, the high court will hear the cases.
The controversy surrounding the bill highlights the tension between regulating misinformation and protecting freedom of expression and press freedom in Pakistan.