Pakistan: Women Press Freedom Demands Withdrawal of Newly Adopted Defamation Bill in Punjab
New law may silence journalists, opposition parties, and dissent by embroiling them in defamation cases
Location: Pakistan, Lahore
Date: May 21, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the passage of a defamation law in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The provincial legislature's approval of the bill is a blatant attack on press freedom and freedom of speech and expression in a country where curbs on rights are already a matter of concern. The new policy not only threatens the fundamental right to freedom of speech but also imposes severe restrictions that can obstruct critical reporting and stifle dissent. It was passed in immense haste by the provincial government, which refused to address any opposition to the bill and was hell-bent on having it approved. We demand that the Punjab Assembly withdraw the bill immediately.
WPF strongly condemns the ongoing legal proceedings against Gözde Bedeloğlu, a journalist for BirGün, who is currently facing charges of "insulting a public official" in Istanbul, Turkiye, filed by a Nationalist Movement Party politician.
During the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict, the fundamental principles of press freedom have come under dire threat.
WPF welcomes the judgment of the Fair Work Commission that found that broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf was fired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) following a social media post by Lattouf sharing a Human Rights Watch claim about Israel's actions in Gaza.
“The Punjab Defamation Bill has rightly been condemned as an affront to free speech, insulating public institutions and so-called "constitutional offices" from criticism in the name of defamation,” a digital rights expert, who wished to stay anonymous, tells Women Press Freedom.
The draconian defamation bill, prepared by the Punjab government led by the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) political party, was presented in the assembly despite immense disapproval and protests by several people, including journalists. It was eventually passed through a voice vote by flouting the amendments proposed by the opposition on May 20 and was then sent to the province’s governor for his final nod.
The proposed defamation legislation introduces a dedicated tribunal responsible for addressing incidents related to the creation, dissemination, and broadcasting of 'fake news.' This tribunal is mandated to resolve cases within a six-month timeframe and has the authority to impose fines.
The digital rights expert tells Women Press Freedom that the bill raises concerns about how it can be misused to silence journalists, opposition parties, and dissent by embroiling them in defamation cases, in which those accused have to bear the burden of proving the truthfulness of a statement deemed defamatory.
Legislators in the provincial assembly did not conduct a debate, which raises legitimate concerns about the proposed law's intent.
“The Bill does warrant a constitutional challenge given the blatant disregard for constitutional rights and safeguards; however, it remains to be seen whether the courts are willing to hold in this regard,” the digital rights expert says.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider has assured that the bill will not become a law unless all reservations raised by stakeholders around it are addressed.
Women Press Freedom is alarmed that a bill of this nature was proposed to be passed by a government that claims its arrival at the hands of democracy following the February 8 general elections in Pakistan. It is even more concerning that it was passed in such haste without necessary consultation from the stakeholders, including journalists, human rights, and digital rights activists and experts.
Women Press Freedom demands that the Punjab government withdraw the law and consult all stakeholders, particularly journalists, before proceeding with any legislation that threatens free speech and press freedom in the country. Both are crucial in safeguarding democratic values and protecting citizens’ fundamental rights. In its current form, the bill denies the principles of a fair and free society. We reiterate our call for its immediate review.
WPF unequivocally condemns the derogatory and sexist remarks made by prominent orthopedic doctor Omer Adil against renowned journalist Gharidah Farooqi and other women media professionals during an online program hosted by vlogger Zohaib Saleem Butt on July 25, 2024.
WPF commends the Kajiado High Court's ruling awarding 10 million shillings ($78,000) in compensation to journalist Javeria Siddique, the widow of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif.
WPF stands in solidarity with Benazir Shah, a prominent Pakistani journalist, who recently endured a coordinated campaign of online harassment and had her Twitter account hacked following her comments on a blasphemy case.
WPF is deeply alarmed by the online threats directed at Absa Komal following her denunciation of a mob attack on the Christian community in Pakistan on May 25.
WPF stands united in outrage and deep sorrow over the brutal murder of Tahira Nosheen Rana, a local journalist from Pakistan whose life was taken under horrific circumstances.
WPF expresses deep concern over the significant underrepresentation and mistreatment of women journalists within Pakistani news organizations, as vividly outlined in the recent gender audit Unequal Newsrooms: A Gender Audit of Pakistani Media Organisations.
Women Press Freedom is alarmed by the incessant trolling and abuse being hurled at journalists by political parties in Pakistan and their supporters following the country’s 10th general elections on February 8.
CFWIJ and WPF strongly condemns the latest surge in harassment and threats through an organized campaign directed at esteemed journalist Gharida Farooqi.
CFWIJ and WPF expresses deep concern over Pakistani anchor Rabia Anum facing a defamation legal notice for using her social media platform to raise awareness about a domestic violence victim named Nomaika, who accused her husband, news anchor Ashfaque Ishaque Satti, of physical abuse.
CFWIJ and WPF welcomes a Pakistani trial court’s acquittal of Tanzeela Mazhar in a criminal defamation case which had been dragging for the last seven years.
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned about the recent developments in Pakistan, where at least 47 journalists and YouTubers have been issued legal notices by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Razzaq was subjected to a series of threats warning her against continuing to report on the Baloch women's protest.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom lauds the recent verdict the Islamabad High Court issued in favor of Asma Shirazi, a veteran Pakistani journalist.
CFWIJ and WPF are deeply concerned about the protection and safety of Afghan journalist Nahid Askari following the Pakistani government's recent crackdown on Afghan migrants residing in Pakistan.
Unknown men forcibly raided the residence of Tahira Baloch, a renowned TV anchor and social media activist, in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s western province Balochistan.
Photojournalist Javeria Siddique — the widow of prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif, who was tragically killed in Kenya a year ago — has filed a lawsuit against an elite Kenyan police unit.
CFWIJ and WPF expresses deep concern about the attacks on Pakistani sports presenter Zainab Abbas, who has been subjected to alarming levels of online harassment and legal challenges while reporting in India on the men’s cricket World Cup 2023.
Sharing a Facebook post on a police investigation into two journalists results in online harassment, followed by physical assault for reporter Sahrish Khokher.
Police arrest and detain Anum Sheikh for three days before a court nullified her detention order.
Javeria Siddique, a Pakistani reporter and wife of late journalist Arshad Sharif, has been on the receiving end of a vile and malicious smear campaign.
Pakistani news channel journalist, Sadaf Naeem was killed on Sunday, October 30, after falling off the container carrying former Pakistan prime minister, Imran Khan.
Gharidah Farooqi, anchor with private TV channel News One, has been hit with yet another wave of online attacks.
Saba Bajeer was setting up equipment to go live when a young man approached her and told her to look into the camera for a Tik Tok video he was recording.
Zamzam Saeed and several other media workers were attacked by rioters during recent political rallies by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) across the country.
Journalist Gharidah Farooqi was targeted by a supporter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during the political rally hosted by the party.
Journalist Annie Shirazi and other women journalists were reportedly assaulted by pro-government journalist Maleeha Hashmey.
The television reporter for Geo News Urdu, Maryam Nawaz Khan was harassed by a group of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters while covering the political rally.
On Sunday, President Arif Alvi signed two ordinances that amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, (PECA) 2016, and the Elections Act, 2017.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.