Acting Punjab governor signs controversial defamation bill into law

On June 8, acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan signed the highly controversial Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024 into law, Geo News reports.

The bill has invited strong criticism from journalists, human rights organisations, and the opposition calling it a “black law.” However, it was passed into a law today disregarding all concerns and opposition.

Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari slammed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) deceptive attitude, stating that the party deceived journalists.

“The bill was signed by the acting governor by sending the Punjab governor on leave under a plan,” said Ansari.

He also said that the PPP was apparently showing support to journalists and even assured that it wouldn’t be passed into law but in reality, it was in cahoots with the provincial government.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed grave concern over the defamation bill.