- विज्ञापन -
Lahore: The Punjab Assembly has approved the Defamation Bill, 2024, dismissing all amendments suggested by the opposition, Dawn reported. The approval of bill sparked protests from the opposing parties. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf supported Sunni Ittehad Council and journalists reporting on the parliamentary sessions also protested against it.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman presented the “Punjab Defamation Bill 2024” in the Assembly. The speaker allowed the Opposition to present its amendments, but they were eventually rejected by the Treasury, as per Dawn.
The Opposition tore apart copies of the bill and termed it a black law. Members of the Press Gallery Committee boycotted Assembly proceedings and also staged a protest demonstration in front of the Assembly building.
According to Dawn, the draft law proposes a special tribunal to try those involved in drafting, publishing and/or airing “fake news”. The tribunal shall decide the case within six months and may impose a fine of up to Pakistani currency (PKR) 3 million. However, in cases of allegations against individuals holding constitutional posts, the high court will hear the cases.
Also, the bill says the government will provide legal assistance to women and transgender individuals in defamation cases through an official legal team.
Earlier, the government refused to send the draft bill to a selected committee consisting of opposition members to involve all stakeholders for consultation, stating that it had already been extensively discussed by the special committee.
