Lahore: The Punjab Assembly has approved the controversial Defamation Bill 2024, rejecting all amendments proposed by the opposition amid a strong and protest by PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council and journalists.
The SIC members tore apart copies of the bill after the house passed it through a voice vote.
According to the treasury benches, the bill is aimed at stopping fake news, while the media bodies termed it “draconian” in its current form.
The draft law proposes a special tribunal to try those involved in drafting, publishing and/or airing “fake news”. The tribunal shall decide the case within six months and may impose a fine of up to Rs3 million.
However, in cases of allegations against individuals holding constitutional posts, the high court will hear the cases.
The bill further says the government will provide legal assistance to women and transgender individuals in defamation cases through an official legal team.
Earlier, the government did not agree to send the draft bill to a selected committee comprising opposition members to invite all stakeholders for consultation, saying it had already been discussed threadbare by the special committee.
Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar said that the Defamation Bill 2024 is a “black law” and his side of the bench would not be partake in passing the legislation.
