HRCP Calls for Repeal of Punjab Defamation Act Over Censorship Concerns

HRCP Calls for Repeal of Punjab Defamation Act Over Censorship Concerns (X@HRCP87)

VoM News Desk | June 29, 2024 | 11:03 PM IST | Breaking News, Pakistan News, World | Follow on Google News

HRCP Calls for Repeal of Punjab Defamation Act Over Censorship Concerns

HRCP Calls for Repeal of Punjab Defamation Act Over Censorship Concerns

Key Highlights:

• HRCP demands repeal of Punjab Defamation Act, citing press freedom concerns.
• Experts warn of increased censorship and national firewall implications.
• Calls for recognition of digital rights and criminalization of enforced disappearances.

Islamabad [Pakistan], June 29 (VoM): The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) organized a round table conference in Islamabad, voicing concerns about the Punjab Defamation Act. The HRCP urged the administration to repeal the act, originally pushed through to curb fake news, which civil society and journalists argue infringes on press freedom and expression.

In a statement, the HRCP warned that the law could lead to fears of a national firewall and greater censorship, with the real purpose being to muzzle free speech and silence dissenting voices. The conference saw participation from journalists, digital rights experts, and civil society members, all highlighting the shrinking civic space and democracy in the country.

Law and Policy Expert Muhammad Aftab Alam pointed out significant flaws in the Punjab Defamation Act 2024, suggesting radical changes to key terms such as ‘broadcasting’, ‘newspaper’, and ‘journalist’. Journalist and researcher Adnan Rehmat noted that the law favors political and state elites, legalizing discrimination.

HRCP member Farhatullah Babar argued that the law represents another step towards the militarization of the state, undermining other laws like those governing the right to information. Sadaf Khan from Media Matters for Democracy (MMFD) highlighted potential plans for a national firewall, which would expand censorship by monitoring internet traffic, creating fear and mistrust.

Academic and journalist Tauseef Ahmed Khan traced the history of censorship in legacy media and proposed a plan of action. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists president Afzal Butt called for accountability of social media platforms for blocking content on Kashmir and Gaza. Former senator Afrasiab Khattak and senior journalist Sohail Sangi discussed the establishment’s overreach and the link between press freedom and media working conditions.

The conference concluded with calls to repeal the Punjab Defamation Act, recognize digital rights in the Constitution, amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, and pass a law criminalizing enforced disappearances. HRCP co-chair Munizae Jahangir and vice-chair Nasreen Azhar emphasized the need for unity among journalists, lawyers, and activists to present a consolidated charter of demands to the Parliament. HRCP secretary-general Harris Khalique urged all rights-based movements to unite against repressive tactics.

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