Punjab Governor Hopes for Consensus on Controversial Defamation Bill After Journalist Outcry
On June 5, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider announced that the government and a journalist action committee will collaborate to find common ground on the recently passed controversial Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024.
The Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, passed on May 20 without stakeholder consultations, has raised concerns about potential limitations on freedom of speech and press freedom in the province. The bill allows for the establishment of special tribunals to address “fake news” and imposes fines and potential social media account blocking for those found guilty of spreading defamatory content.
Speaking to reporters at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Attock, Haider stated that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the provincial assembly speaker have agreed to address concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the Bill.
The governor emphasized that while journalists may have reservations about specific aspects of the Bill, they are not opposed to its overall implementation. He expressed optimism that through open dialogue and collaboration, all concerns can be addressed amicably.
This announcement follows a series of meetings between Governor Haider and representatives of the journalists’ community, including a May 26 meeting with the Joint Action Committee of journalist organizations. During that meeting, the governor pledged not to sign the Bill without extensive consultations with key stakeholders and assured them that all concerns would be taken into consideration.Pakistan Press Foundation criticized the lack of clarity, transparency, and consultation in the Bill’s drafting and approval process and called for meaningful consultations with relevant stakeholders before any further amendments or legislation are passed.
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