Punjab governor opposes passage of controversial defamation law

Punjab Governor Saleem Haider has voiced his opposition to the controversial defamation law recently passed by the provincial legislature. Speaking from Dubai, Haider revealed that he attempted to halt the passage of the Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, as governor, but the bill was signed into law by interim Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan during Haider's absence.

The Punjab Assembly passed the defamation bill on May 20, amid significant protest and backlash from the opposition, journalists, and rights organizations, including international bodies. Haider clarified that he did not sign the bill, but it became law automatically after 15 days, as per legislative procedures. Despite his opposition to the bill, Haider acknowledged the need for legislation to prevent defamation on social media.

In response to the bill's passage, the central Joint Action Committee (JAC) of media bodies has announced a boycott of government coverage, including National Assembly and provincial assembly sessions, as well as upcoming federal and provincial budgets. This protest involves major media organizations such as the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND).

During an emergency meeting, these media bodies condemned the Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, as a violation of human values and pledged to lead a joint struggle against what they termed a "black law." They planned to pursue effective legal actions, consult with political parties and bar councils, and reach out to the United Nations and other national and international human rights organizations.

Additionally, they announced their intention to stage demonstrations outside relevant government offices in protest. Governor Haider has promised to meet with the JAC of media bodies upon his return to Pakistan to address their concerns regarding the defamation law.