Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province has sparked concerns over press freedom with the hurried enactment of a defamation law, while the country’s Supreme Court has taken legal action against numerous media outlets, raising alarm among journalists and rights advocates.
On June 8, acting Punjab governor Malik Ahmad Khan approved a defamation law passed by the provincial assembly on May 20, despite objections from journalists, human rights groups, and opposition lawmakers. The law, which replaces Punjab’s Defamation Ordinance of 2002, broadly defines “defamation” and “broadcasting,” extending its reach to social media platforms. Legal challenges against the law have been mounted by journalists and press organizations in the Lahore High Court.
Simultaneously, on June 5, Pakistan’s Supreme Court issued show-cause notices to 34 news channels, granting them two weeks to justify why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. This move came after the airing of press conferences by two parliamentarians critical of the judiciary, who alleged interference by Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, the ISI, in judicial affairs.
Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator, called for the swift repeal of Punjab’s defamation law and urged protection of press freedom. The legislation enables claimants to initiate legal action without evidence of actual damage and imposes hefty penalties, including punitive damages and suspension of social media accounts or websites where allegedly defamatory content is shared.
Farieha Aziz, co-founder of digital rights organization Bolo Bhi, highlighted concerns over the appointment procedure for tribunals under the law, citing potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the law restricts commentary on ongoing proceedings, perceived by Aziz as a form of censorship.
Of particular concern are defamation claims filed by “constitutional office” holders, which will undergo a separate procedure, raising constitutional rights violations.
Amid a volatile political landscape following contentious February elections, Punjab governor Sardar Saleem Haider pledged to address journalists’ concerns, suggesting potential revisions to the legislation.
As the media landscape in Pakistan faces increasing scrutiny and legal challenges, journalists and rights advocates remain vigilant in defending press freedom and constitutional rights in the country.