Acting Governor of Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has signed the contentious Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, into law.
The bill that attracted a great deal of criticism, especially from journalists and advocates for digital rights, got final approval from the acting governor of Punjab in lieu of Sardar Salim Khan.
According to sources, Punjab Governor Sardar Salim has gone on leave.
The Punjab Defamation Bill, 2024, was enacted by the Punjab Assembly on May 20, in the face of a loud and forceful opposition protest and a massive outcry from human rights organizations and media.
President of the Lahore Press Club, Arshad Ansari, responded to the development by criticizing the Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) dishonest stance and saying that the party had conned journalists.
"The bill was signed by the acting governor by sending the Punjab governor on leave under a plan," Ansari stated.
He further said that the PPP appeared to be siding with the media and was working internally with the provincial government.
"A meeting of the action committee will be called soon, and future strategy will be announced," he added.