The Lahore High Court (LHC) is set to review a challenge to the recently passed defamation law, with the Punjab Government, Chief Minister, and Governor named as parties.
The petition, filed by a concerned individual, argues that the new defamation law is unconstitutional and has requested the court to declare it null and void.
The petitioner has also called for an immediate halt to the implementation of the law until a final decision is made.
The defamation bill, which was passed by the Punjab Assembly, had been awaiting the Governor of Punjab’s signature for several days.
Governor Salim Haider, who had reservations about signing the bill, was out of the country when Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan approved it. This swift approval has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the President of the Lahore Press Club, Arshad Ansari.
Ansari expressed concerns that the rapid signing of the bill might indicate an attempt to curb journalistic freedom. He stated, “The Acting Governor of Punjab has hastily signed the defamation bill, which further strengthens our concerns that under the guise of this bill, efforts are being made to suppress the language of journalism and journalists.”
PTI announces resistance against 'black law'
On the other hand, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced a robust resistance against the law, both at political, parliamentary, and judicial levels.
PTI spokesperson condemned the law, labeling it as a “black law” that poses a severe threat to freedom of expression. “This black law of defamation is unacceptable,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing that the party will challenge the law in the courts to prevent its implementation.
The spokesperson called on the Chief Justice to take immediate action to protect freedom of speech in Pakistan.
The party has pledged to fight the law at every level, ensuring that it does not undermine the fundamental rights of Pakistani citizens.
