LAHORE: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the Punjab government over its exclusion from crucial consultations on the provincial budget and the recently-enacted defamation law. Despite not being formally part of the coalition government, the PPP has supported the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in legislative matters within the Punjab Assembly.
PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza highlighted this issue during a press conference on Monday, directly addressing Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He criticized the government for preparing the budget without consulting the PPP or other stakeholders, stating, “You did not take PPP into confidence while preparing the budget proposals.”
Murtaza emphasized that this marks the first instance where the Punjab government did not engage its allies in budget preparations. He noted the absence of relief measures for salaried individuals and pensioners, areas where the PPP had high expectations from CM Maryam Nawaz, hoping she would advance the province following her father Nawaz Sharif’s vision.
Furthermore, Murtaza pointed out the government’s failure to support farmers adequately. He criticized the provincial agriculture department’s inability to formulate a comprehensive wheat procurement policy, leaving farmers in a difficult position despite achieving a bumper crop. He questioned whether the government would compensate farmers for its delayed procurement decision.
On the contentious Punjab Defamation Act 2024, Murtaza stated the PPP’s firm stance with journalists, opposing any restrictions on freedom of expression. He assured that the party would seek the law’s withdrawal, aligning with efforts to protect media freedom. The PPP plans to challenge the law in court, with the party’s high command set to decide on the exact course of action.
This move comes amid widespread criticism of the defamation law by various political entities, civil society, and journalists. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also announced its intention to contest the law.
When questioned about joining the provincial government, Murtaza clarified that any decision would be made by the PPP’s Central Executive Committee, and currently, there are no plans to join the administration.
LHC to Hear Challenge Against Defamation Law
In a related development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has scheduled a hearing on the appeal against the Punjab Defamation Act 2024. The appeal, filed by journalists Riaz Ahmad Raja and Jaffar Ahmad Yar through Advocate Nadeem Sarwar, argues that the law violates fundamental constitutional rights. The petition criticizes the law’s vague definitions and the potential for defamation claims without proof, violating the right to a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution.
The LHC, with Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq presiding, will take up the matter today (Tuesday). The petitioners contend that instead of introducing new legislation, the government should have amended existing laws after proper consultation with journalists.
As the PPP and other stakeholders await the court’s decision, the controversy surrounding the defamation law continues to highlight significant concerns about media freedom and government accountability in Punjab.