Acting Punjab governor signs defamation bill into law

Sardar Salim Haider, who is PPP stalwart had promised that all stakeholders would be taken into consultation before signing this bill

By Our Correspondent

June 08, 2024

Punjab Assembly Speaker and Acting Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan signs documents during an assembly session in this undated image. — Facebook/Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan/File

LAHORE: Acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has signed the controversial Defamation Bill 2024 passed by the Punjab Assembly last month into law, Geo TV reported. Sardar Salim Haider, who is PPP stalwart had promised that all stakeholders would be taken into consultation before signing this bill. However, in his absence when Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan took over, he signed the Bill. Media fraternity has strongly condemned the signing of the Bill by acting Governor Punjab.

President Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari while rejecting the bill stated that PMLN had attacked media freedom. He also criticized PPP for its double standards regarding the controversial legislation, saying the party deceived journalists by siding with the government