KARACHI: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of media stakeholders strongly rejected the passage of the controversial Defamation Bill 2024 by the Punjab Assembly and announced the approaching court against this ‘black law’.

A virtual emergent meeting of the Joint Action Committee, which consists of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), issued a joint statement on Thursday

The participants of the meeting termed Defamation Bill 2024 a draconian law and said the controversial bill was passed by Punjab Assembly without consultation of media stakeholders. The JAC has decided to approach political parties, human rights organizations, and other stockholders against this controversial bill.

The media stakeholders committee will challenge Defamation Bill 2024 in the Lahore High Court and also consider boycotting coverage of assembly sessions, holding rallies, and sit-ins to press the government to withdraw this controversial bill.

The JAC participants said the media organization is not against the formulation of media-related laws but government should consult with media stockholders.  They lamented that the Punjab government has not considered recommendations forward by JAC and the bill was passed in haste.

The JAC also constituted committees to contact all stakeholders about the passage of the controversial Defamation Bill 2024.

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