KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon stated at a news conference at Karachi Press Club that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is not involved with the Punjab Defamation Act 2024, which was enforced on Monday.
“The PPP did not participate in the approval process of the Defamation Act. Our governor did not consent to the bill,” Memon clarified, emphasizing the party’s longstanding support for press freedom.
Sharjeel Memon affirmed the party’s commitment to journalistic integrity. “We are standing with our journalist brothers. We have always worked for press freedom,” he reiterated, highlighting that the PPP had never introduced similar legislation.
During the conference, Memon also noted that the PTI founder had initiated the PECA law and informed attendees that three individuals had been arrested concerning the murder of journalist Nasrallah Gaddani.
Additionally, he presented Gaddani’s brother with a compensation cheque for Rs10 million.
The Punjab Defamation Act 2024 officially became law earlier on Monday after the provincial government issued a gazette notification. The act, signed by Punjab Acting Governor Malik Ahmad Khan on June 7, proposes special tribunals for defamation cases, promising swift judgments and fines up to Rs3 million for disseminating false information.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) will handle cases involving constitutional figures, with tribunals expected to reach decisions within six months.
