The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday summoned the attorney general of Pakistan and the assistant advocate general Punjab for responses regarding petitions contesting the controversial Punjab Defamation Act 2024. Justice Anwaar Hussain presided over the hearing, which involved multiple petitions filed by journalists, media organizations, and civil society groups opposing the law.
Enacted in June 2024, the Punjab Defamation Act was introduced to guard against “false, misleading and defamatory claims” across print, electronic, and social media platforms. However, the legislation faced strong resistance from political parties, journalists, and human rights advocates who argue it restricts freedom of expression.
In a significant development, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan labeled the law a serious threat to press freedom in Punjab. Several petitions have been submitted seeking its annulment.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Faisal Siddiqi, representing journalists’ organizations, contended that the provincial government lacks authority to legislate on defamation, asserting it falls under federal jurisdiction. He also challenged clauses granting enhanced protection to constitutional officeholders and state officials, including the president, military personnel, and senior judiciary members.
Meanwhile, lawyer Asad Jamal, advocating for journalists Mansoor Ali Khan and Benazir Shah, referenced a March 15 social media post by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. The minister warned of legal action under the defamation law against those allegedly spreading “fake news” about the acquisition of a luxury jet. Jamal argued this demonstrated the law’s potential misuse to intimidate critics.
The court subsequently issued notices to both federal and provincial law officers and instructed the provincial government’s counsel to provide the record of debates from the Punjab Assembly regarding the law’s passage. The hearing was adjourned until the following Tuesday.
