LAHORE: The opposition in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday raised objections to the controversial Punjab Defamation Bill 2024, presented by the PML (N) government. Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bachhar requested that the bill be sent back to the committee for further review and consultation with civil society and stakeholders.
Bachhar urged, “Mr. Speaker, please send the bill back to the committee.” He emphasized the need for inclusive consultation on the bill. Opposition member Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan questioned the government’s haste in presenting the bill, asking why it was being rushed through the House. Rana Aftab Ahmed demanded that the government bring the bill to the House for discussion and debate, along with proposed amendments.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan responded to the opposition’s objections, stating that Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari would address their concerns if she were present in the House. He assured the opposition that they could present their proposals on the defamation bill, with three days to submit amendments. The opposition has the authority to oppose the bill, and voting will take place on Monday.
Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, advised the opposition to take a course from NIPA (National Institute of Public Administration). The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly is giving the opposition more time than the previous Speaker. Government member Salma Butt presented the report on the Defamation Law 2024 in the House.
Opposition member Rana Aftab raised an objection, pointing out that the Defamation Ordinance 2002 already exists, making the new law unnecessary. The session started two hours and twenty-three minutes late under the chair of Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan.
Meanwhile, an adjournment motion was presented in Punjab Assembly on Gym Khana clubs. Amjad Ali Javed revealed that various Gym Khana clubs are being given government land for a mere Rs 470 per month. The Speaker of the Punjab Assembly expressed surprise, asking if the land was really being given for such a low price. Government Member Samiullah Khan corrected the Speaker, stating that the amount was actually Rs 417, not Rs 470.
Saeed Akbar Nawni argued that the poor man is being charged lakhs of rupees for a lease, suggesting that instead of taking such a small amount of money, they should even waive this amount. “We cannot increase this amount nor can we do anything. I am standing in the House and saying that we cannot do anything,” Nawani said.
Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, sought clarification on the matter, saying, “Mr Speaker, this is also a surprising matter for me. I am seeking an answer from the department, but I don’t know which department’s land this is.” Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan responded, “This is the land of the Punjab Government. The club people are not giving answers, you should get an answer from the department.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2024