(PPF/IFEX) – On 29 July 2004, the Pakistani government introduced to the National Assembly proposed amendments to Defamation Ordinance 2002, under which defamation had been declared a “criminal offence”. The amendments would increase prison sentences from three months to one year and fines from Rs 50,000 to Rs 300,000 (approx. US$900 to US$4,500). In cases […]
(PPF/IFEX) – On 29 July 2004, the Pakistani government introduced to the National Assembly proposed amendments to Defamation Ordinance 2002, under which defamation had been declared a “criminal offence”.
The amendments would increase prison sentences from three months to one year and fines from Rs 50,000 to Rs 300,000 (approx. US$900 to US$4,500). In cases where libel is committed, “the publisher, editor, reporter and the distributor [of the media outlet found guilty of libel] would be severally and jointly liable for defamation under the ordinance”.
The bill proposes that district and sessions court judges have the authority to try defamation cases and rule on them within 90 days. It also specifies that the high court will have 60 days to decide on an appeal filed against the sessions court judgment.
A written government statement that was attached to the bill said, “There is a general tendency to scandalize and defame others, including public figures, whereby perceptible injury to their reputation is caused, either for an ulterior motive or through irresponsible conduct.”
The bill would amend the Defamation Ordinance 2002 and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), Sections 499 to 502. The proposed amendments would dramatically enhance punitive provisions of the Defamation Ordinance 2002, which had previously been condemned by media organisations as being unduly harsh.
The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and All Pakistan Newspapers Employees (APNS) criticised the Defamation Ordinance 2002, calling it a “black law against press freedom” in Pakistan. CPNE and APNS called for a dialogue with the government to amend the ordinance. They demanded that the bill be amended while ensuring that press freedom in Pakistan is not violated in any manner.
