LAHORE – Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that there is a great need of a new defamation law these days.
Azma Bokhari said the new law is for the province and should protect any chief minister from being maligned by the false news.
She criticized attempts to ridicule officials, referencing derogatory labels and efforts to seek NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) through dishonorable means.
“They [the PTI leaders] wrote Prisoner No 804 on their shoes but in vain. Now a days, they are making efforts for NRO,” said the minister.
She expressed these remarks while addressing a press conference at DGPR on Wednesday.
The minister highlighted that a small group of 5 to 7 individuals are pushing this agenda and misuse the title of journalists for personal gains. She condemned the spreading of false propaganda against her own sister, pointing out that respect should be mutual and truthful.
She expressed her commitment to personally take up the first defamation case under this new law.
She announced that a new defamation law is being introduced in the assembly, countering claims that it is a draconian measure by emphasizing its necessity to stop baseless accusations.
The key feature of this law is that the accused will have 21 days to choose three dates for their hearing, failing which the judge will set the dates, and responses must be submitted within this timeframe.
The defamation cases, she stated, must be resolved within 180 days, with proven cases resulting in a fine of Rs3 million.
“There will be no arrests, but the fine must be paid,” said Azma Bokhari, adding that the new law should not be used for the political purposes.
She said, “ if someone feels their defamation case involves more than 3 million rupees or is of a serious nature, they will have the opportunity to present their case,”.
She also made it clear that the journalists worldwide are not permitted to comment on the sub-judice matters, addressing concerns about restrictions on discussing ongoing legal matters.
Bukhari invited objections to any clause of the new defamation law to be submitted in writing by Sunday for further discussion as per the directions of the Punjab CM.
“Ridiculing someone for amusement is wrong,” she added.
