Punjab Assembly has approved the Defamation Bill, 2024, dismissing all amendments proposed by the opposition, as reported by Dawn. The decision has ignited widespread protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and journalists covering the parliamentary sessions.
Opposition’s Outcry and Legislative Drama
Significant resistance from opposition members met the bill, presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman. Despite the Speaker allowing the opposition to present their amendments, the Treasury ultimately rejected all changes. This led to a heated atmosphere within the Assembly. Opposition members expressed their discontent by tearing apart copies of the bill, labeling it a “black law.” Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachhar, the Opposition Leader, raised an important question. He questioned the haste with which the Treasury sought to pass the bill before midnight. In doing so, he highlighted both procedural and substantive concerns.
The draft law introduces a special tribunal tasked with adjudicating cases of “fake news,” with a mandate to resolve cases within six months and the authority to impose fines of up to PKR 3 million. In instances involving individuals holding constitutional posts, the high court will preside over the cases. The bill also promises government-provided legal assistance to women and transgender individuals involved in defamation cases.
The government’s refusal to send the draft bill to a selected committee comprising opposition members for wider consultation was a significant point of contention. Opposition member Rana Shahbaz pointed out a significant issue. He highlighted that during committee meetings, the opposition’s input was largely disregarded. This was because key members were either out of the country or preoccupied with court proceedings. Ahmad Rashid Bhatti argued that the bill’s introduction violated Article 8 of the Constitution and conflicted with existing defamation laws. He asserted that the term “defamation” had been removed from the Constitution following the Fourth Amendment, and its reintroduction posed legal inconsistencies.
Journalist and Civil Society Response
The reaction from journalists was swift and decisive. Members of the Press Gallery Committee boycotted the Assembly proceedings and staged a protest demonstration outside the Assembly building. Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari revealed that the journalists had engaged in over two hours of talks with the government, which refused to delay the bill’s passage by even a week to achieve a broader consensus among stakeholders. This intransigence prompted journalists to label the legislation as a “black law” and to vociferously protest against its enactment.
PTI-backed SIC legislator, Junaid Afzal Sahi, voiced concerns that the bill was a strategic move to target his party, further exacerbating tensions between the ruling party and opposition factions. SIC lawmakers actively protested by waving placards, chanting slogans, and proposing ten amendments, all of which were disregarded.
Advocate-General Khalid Ishaq’s unusual participation in the house proceedings underscored the contentious nature of the bill. Responding to the opposition’s objections, Ishaq read out key points of the bill, attempting to justify its provisions amidst the uproar.
Implications of the Defamation Bill
The Defamation Bill, 2024, represents a significant shift in the legal landscape concerning media and free speech in Punjab. The establishment of a special tribunal to address “fake news” is a controversial measure that has raised alarms about potential misuse against political opponents and journalists. The bill includes provisions for expedited legal processes and hefty fines, reflecting the government’s stringent stance on defamation. However, critics argue that these provisions undermine democratic principles and press freedom.
The opposition’s failure to amend the bill and the government’s adamant stance have highlighted deep political rifts within the Assembly. The episode also emphasizes the broader struggle for press freedom in Pakistan, where journalists often face significant challenges and threats.
As the bill moves forward, its impact on the media and political discourse will be closely monitored. The protests from journalists and opposition parties underscore the broader concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for governmental overreach. In the coming weeks and months, there will likely be continued debate surrounding the Defamation Bill, 2024. This debate may also give rise to possible legal challenges. Stakeholders involved in this process will seek to navigate the implications of the bill within the complex political and legal landscape of Punjab.
