The Punjab government on Wednesday assured that the proposed defamation law will not affect freedom of expression.
“Professional journalists will not be disturbed by this move,” Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari told a press conference in Lahore.
“Only journalists reporting from home will have a problem [with this legislation],” he said.
The statement came after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s government passed a new anti-defamation law in the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday. This measure was met with some opposition from various walks of life, including journalists.
According to The News, Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari was among those voices, calling the move an attempt by the government to suppress dissenting voices, which was a “direct attack on the pillars of democracy”.
“The LPC, in collaboration with other journalists’ organizations, will develop a strong strategy to fight this heinous law […] We call on the Punjab government to reconsider its stance and uphold the values of democracy and freedom of the press,” said Ansari. .
Explaining the details of the proposed legislation, the information minister announced that those who speak without supporting their statements with relevant evidence will be notified.
He asked the accused to choose three dates to appear in court within 21 days and said the trial would be completed in 180 days, adding that the law would also apply to social media platforms.
“If the defamation charges are proven, the defendants will have to pay a fine of $3 million,” Bokhari said.
The defendant was also told that he would be allowed to defend himself if he chose.
Meanwhile, he said, the high court will give the treasury the status of a tribunal and the aggrieved party can file a case through the court.
According to him, tribunal judges should hear only two cases a day.
Bokhari, however, said that under the proposed law, the cases registered in the courts would be civil and not the role of the police or arrest and detention.
Responding to the concerns of journalists and other sections of society, the information minister said that the government has decided not to pass the law on the order of Maryam Nawaz.
He said that journalistic organizations that have reservations about the law can submit their objections to the government on Sunday.
“The CM said we are ready to hold talks with all journalists’ organizations,” Bokhari said, adding that anyone who objected to any provision of the defamation law could submit a written submission by the end of this week.
