• July 2, 2024
• General News
• Web Desk

On June 28, Civil rights activists, journalists, and digital rights experts in Pakistan called for repealing the Punjab Defamation Act and constitutional recognition of digital rights, citing concerns over receding civic spaces and democratic values in the country. They spoke at a national roundtable organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

HRCP council member Farhatullah Babar described the law as a step towards the “militarization” of the state and society and an overwriting of other laws, such as those governing the right to information. Journalist and researcher Adnan Rehmat said the law favoured political and state elites and legalized discrimination.

Law and policy expert Mohammad Aftab Alam criticized the recently passed Punjab Defamation Act 2024, highlighting radical changes in definitions and the imposition of the burden of proof on defendants.

Co-founder of Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) Sadaf Khan expressed concerns about the government’s reported plans to install a national firewall, stating it would broaden censorship and monitor internet traffic. MMFD founder Asad Baig highlighted the potential negative economic impact on freelance work and online trading.

The participants recommended the immediate repeal of the Defamation Act, constitutional recognition of digital rights, renewed discussions on amending the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, and the passage of a law criminalizing enforced disappearances.

HRCP co-chair Munizae Jahangir urged unity among journalists, lawyers, and activists to present their demands before parliament. HRCP Islamabad vice-chair Nasreen Azhar emphasized the need for activists to be more organized in countering online disinformation.

HRCP Secretary General Harris Khalique highlighted concerns about an anti-poor political agenda and the need for rights-based movements to unite and present a cohesive charter of demands before parliament.

The them 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. Under the law, fines could be imposed, and social media accounts could be blocked for those found spreading defamatory content.

In a statement, the Pakistan Press Foundation highlighted the lack of clarity, transparency, and consultation in the drafting and approval of the bill, pointing out the potential for misuse against journalists and media professionals.  PPF had called for meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders before further amendments or legislation were passed.