Karachi: Media stakeholders have raised significant concerns regarding the proposed Punjab Defamation Bill 2024 and the federal government’s proposed ‘Digital Media Authority,’ describing the bill as draconian in its current form.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), issued a joint statement on Thursday expressing their apprehensions.
The JAC emphasized that while media bodies are not opposed to the strengthening of defamation laws or the regulation of digital media, the current form of the proposed law “threatens the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”
The committee highlighted the necessity for detailed and purposeful consultations with all stakeholders to address the weaknesses of the proposed bill. They stressed that any legislation in this domain must strike a delicate balance between protecting individual rights and upholding the principles of freedom of expression.
The JAC’s statement called for the Punjab and federal governments to engage in extensive discussions with media organizations and other stakeholders to thoroughly examine the implications of the proposed legislation on freedom of expression. They urged the postponement of the bill’s passage in the assembly until such discussions are held.
“The JAC remains committed to engaging constructively with the government to ensure that the defamation legislation and code for digital media, if enacted, is fair, just, and in line with democratic principles,” the statement noted.
In a separate statement, AEMEND rejected the draft defamation legislation outright. They argued that adopting any law hastily, without consulting relevant stakeholders, would amount to throttling freedom of expression.
The call for a thorough review and inclusive dialogue underscores the media community’s commitment to preserving democratic values and ensuring any new regulations do not infringe upon the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression.
Published in cherrygb, May 17th, 2024