Punjab Governor Commits Consultations Before Signing Defamation Bill
On May 26, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider assured that he would not sign the controversial Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024 without extensive consultations with key stakeholders. This pledge was made during a meeting at the Governor’s House with representatives from the Joint Action Committee of journalist organizations, which includes members from major media associations such as the Pakistan Broadcasters Association, All Pakistan Newspapers Society, Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors.
The representatives voiced their apprehensions regarding the Bill, emphasizing that it posed a serious threat to freedom of expression and seemed designed to stifle media voices. In response, Governor Haider assured them that no decision would be made in haste.
“All the stakeholders will be taken into confidence over the controversial clauses of the Bill,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by CPNE President Irshad Arif, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, Dunya Media Group Managing Director Naveed Kashif, and former CPNE president Kazim Khan. Senior PPP leader from Central Punjab, Syed Hassan Murtaza, was also present at the meeting.
The provincial governor also held a talk with Syed Ali Haider Gillani, Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentary Leader, on May 28 in the Punjab Assembly, where they discussed the broader political and economic scenarios of Punjab. On this occasion, MNA Syed Abdul Qadir Gillani presented the PPP’s stance.
On May 20, the Punjab Defamation Bill 2024, which allows for the establishment of special tribunals to address “fake news,” was passed by the provincial Punjab Assembly without stakeholder consultations. Under the law, fines can be imposed and social media accounts can be blocked of those found to be 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.
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