Afghanistan, May 24 -- Attempts to restrict the media in Pakistan are not new. The Pakistani government has introduced several laws over the years aimed at controlling the media, often under the guise of combating "disinformation" and "cybercrimes."

Journalist organizations in Pakistan have expressed serious concern over the proposed Punjab Defamation Bill 2024, which has been described as a "dangerous law" in an editorial by the country's widely circulated English daily, Dawn.

Media stakeholders in the country argue that the proposed bill appears draconian in its current form.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which includes journalist and media owner bodies such as the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers ...