PFUJ condemns passage of Defamation Bill, pledges relentless struggle

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 10 June 2024

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has condemned the Defamation Bill passed in Punjab, vowing to fight against it. They express concerns over its impact on press freedom and democratic rights.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the passage of the Defamation Bill and its approval by the caretaker Governor of Punjab, Malik Ahmed Khan. The PFUJ has vowed to wage a relentless struggle against what it deems a draconian law.

In a statement issued on Monday, PFUJ President Afzal Butt (pictured), Secretary General Arshad Ansari, and Secretary Finance Lala Assad Pathan expressed severe reservations from the journalist fraternity and civil society regarding the new law. They argued that the Punjab government's actions reflect a disregard for consultations and consensus on a law that could severely impede journalists' ability to perform their professional duties.

PFUJ leaders criticized the abrupt absence of Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, who initially expressed concerns over the bill. "The governor went on leave without returning the bill, exposing the dual standards of the Pakistan People's Party. We believe the PPP and the N League are united in supporting this anti-people and anti-democracy law," they stated.

The leaders highlighted the suspicious behavior of the Punjab governor, affiliated with the PPP. "His leave without rejecting the bill suggests that the PPP is more interested in political point-scoring rather than opposing this undemocratic law, which aims to silence dissenting voices and undermine fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution."

PFUJ officials made it clear that they would be engaging in consultations with civil society and journalist bodies to devise a strategy for protests and legal challenges. "We will protest this issue at all legal, constitutional, and political forums," they affirmed.