Media JAC rejects Punjab Defamation Bill 2024
The Joint Action Committee of Media (JAC) rejects the Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 and decides to challenge it in the Lahore High Court (LHC). They described this law as “black law.”
According to the Punjab government, the motive behind this bill is to deal with fake news. However, media organizations have referred to it as a draconian law.
Darconican laws are harsh legislations forcibly imposed on people restraining personal freedom. It is also an attempt to manipulate the political system.
JAC called an emergency virtual meeting to address the controversial Punjab Defamation Bill 2024. Members of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), and All Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) were present at this meeting.
Moreover, the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) attended this meeting.
All JAC members have agreed to intensify their opposition to the Punjab Defamation Bill 2024. They will also collaborate with political parties, human rights organizations, and other stakeholders to oppose this bill.
The Punjab JAC said meeting attendees considered the bill a “controversial and harsh law.” The Punjab government passed it in the night without consultation with the stakeholders.
The committee stated that the media organizations support the law introduction, but stakeholders should have consulted before legislation implementation.
According to JAC, various authoritarian provisions in the Defamation Bill restrict freedom of speech. It includes provisions about fines and authorizing new laws despite the existence of previous ones.
They said such provisions would never be acceptable since the government tries to restrict journalistic freedom and violate fundamental human rights. Hence, Punjab Media JAC rejects the Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 and decides to file a lawsuit against it in LHC.
The Controversial Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 allows the establishment of special tribunals to trial anybody who creates, publishes, or distributes false information. The tribunals will also decide the case within six months. It may impose a fine on the guilty person of PKR 3 million.
Article 3 of the bill also states that defamation means damaging someone’s reputation, which is considered a civil offense. So, if someone feels a specific person has damaged his reputation, he can sue the relevant person without showing proof that they suffered any financial or other losses.
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