• June 11, 2024
• Freedom of Expression
• Web Desk

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has voiced strong objections to the newly enacted Punjab Defamation Act 2024, criticizing the Punjab government for a lack of consultation in the drafting process. Although the PPP is not formally part of the coalition government in Punjab, where the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) holds a simple majority, it has been a supportive partner in legislative matters.

Amid heated debate and public outcry, the Acting Governor of Punjab, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, officially signed the contentious Defamation Bill 2024 into law on June 8. Passed by the Punjab Assembly on May 20, the law targets the spread of misleading and factually incorrect news reports across various media platforms.

On June 10, PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza highlighted the party’s commitment to press freedom. “The party is not in favor of restricting freedom of expression. We’ll try to get the law withdrawn because we cannot become part of any anti-media law,” Murtaza stated during a press conference. He also announced that the PPP plans to challenge the legislation in court and that any further decisions would be made by the party’s high command.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), another major political party, has similarly announced plans to contest the law, which has faced widespread criticism from various political factions, civil society members, and journalists alike.

Murtaza clarified that the PPP had no role in the drafting or enactment of the defamation law and had attempted to address stakeholders’ concerns throughout the process. Regarding potential formal participation in the Punjab government, he noted that such a decision would rest with the PPP’s Central Executive Committee, confirming that there is currently no intention to join.

Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman condemned the law, branding it a “black law” passed “in the dark of night.” Rehman criticized the timing of the governor’s foreign trip during the signing of the bill by the acting governor, which he argued was tantamount to banning freedom of expression. He accused both the PML-N and the PPP of being equal partners in the law’s preparation, approval, and enforcement, stating, “The defamation law is a heinous attack on the constitutional right to freedom of expression.”