Pakistan: Punjab Assembly Passes Defamation Bill Amid Protests
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Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly approved on Monday the Defamation Bill of 2024, rejecting all amendments proposed by the opposition, Pakistan’s Dawn reported yesterday.
The bill was met with protests from the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and journalists covering the proceedings.
The bill proposes a special tribunal to try those involved in “fake news”, with fines up to 3 million rupees. For allegations against constitutional office-holders, the high court will hear the cases.
The government refused to send the bill to a committee for wider consultation, stating it had already been discussed thoroughly. Opposition members claimed they were not present during the bill’s vetting.
Journalists boycotted the proceedings, calling the bill a “curb on free media.” The SIC tore apart copies of the bill, claiming it violated constitutional rights. The government defended the bill, with the Advocate-General providing clarification.