Acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has signed the Defamation Bill that was passed by the provincial assembly to curb the dissemination of misleading and factually incorrect news reports.

The defamation bill will come into force after being officially published in the government gazette.

The new law will apply to print, electronic, and social media. According to the bill, cases of defamation can be filed against the spread of false and inaccurate news stories.

The provisions of this Defamation Bill will also apply to the spread of fake news through platforms like YouTube and social media.

It provides for action against news stories that harm a person’s private life or public standing.

According to the bill, specialized tribunals will be established to hear defamation cases.

These tribunals will be required to decide on the cases within 6 months.

This bill provides for a compensation of up to 3 million rupees. Cases against individuals holding constitutional positions can be heard by a High Court bench.

After being passed by the Punjab Assembly, Punjab Governor Saleem Haider had expressed reservations about signing the bill.

Haider, who is from the PPP, had assured a group of journalists that he would not sign the bill into law without taking into account all the factors. However, the bill was signed by the acting governor who is from the PMLN.

Read more

Punjab governor declines to sign defamation bill without consultation

Govt brings new tax bill to clip powers of inland revenue commissioners

Ruckus in Punjab Assembly as resolution passed against governor