Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister Punjab, took to X (former Twitter) and announced that she is making a defamation law for Punjab.

X user Faisal Ranjha asked in a tweet whether this government will be able to make a strong defamation law to counter lies and fake news. In response to that, Maryam quote tweeted, “I am making that law for Punjab.”

Social media users reacted by mentioning how such laws already exist and are misused against political rivals and journalists.

Lawyer and co-founder of Bolo Bhi, Farieha Aziz, said, “And it begins. ‘We need more laws’ to counter “fake news” & strengthen defamation narrative. Because Defamation Ordianance, 499 & 500 of PPC & 20 of PECA don’t already exist? Laws are implemented through same broken system. Malicious proceedings swift, genuine ones face delays.”

And it begins. 'We need more laws' to counter "fake news" & strengthen defamation narrarive. Because Defamation Ordianance, 499 & 500 of PPC & 20 of PECA don't already exist? Laws are implemented through same broken system. Malicious proceedings swift, genuine ones face delays. pic.twitter.com/u8dS0UhnLn

— Farieha Aziz (@FariehaAziz) March 13, 2024

Member of Awami Workers Party Ammar Rashid said, “While their overlords block X to shut down criticism, PMLN leadership openly announcing its intention to further criminalize attempts to hold public officeholders to account using the bogeyman of defamation & fake news. We must all shut up b/c our ruling elite is too insecure.”

While their overlords block X to shut down criticism, PMLN leadership openly announcing its intention to further criminalize attempts to hold public officeholders to account using the bogeyman of defamation & fake news. We must all shut up b/c our ruling elite is too insecure. https://t.co/LEjr6pIoeM

— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) March 13, 2024

Film maker Arafat Mazhar said, “No “I” will be allowed to make that law. only a “we”, that too which represents democratic will, can make that law (unless it is to protect marginalised people from Tyranny of majority) Also this proposed defamation law is a disaster. Please 🙏 maafi deh du. Aur Kitni awaz dabao gey?”

No “I” will be allowed to make that law. only a “we”, that too which represents democratic will, can make that law (unless it is to protect marginalised people from
Tyranny of majority)

Also this proposed defamation law is a disaster. Please 🙏 maafi deh du. Aur Kitni awaz dabao… https://t.co/7m4M4DVkWZ

— ArafatMazhar 🤖 (@ArafatMazhar) March 13, 2024