DEFAMATION LAWS IN PAKISTAN!

Defamation laws in PAKISTAN.

Defamation is categorized into two legal bases. That a person can claim for slander and libel. Slander is a disparagement of a person through a transient form of communication, generally speech. Libel aspersion of a person through a permanent form of communication, mostly the written word.

The defamation can unjustly harm someone’s reputation.

Defamation is a criminal offense in Pakistan which can be subjected to harsh penalties. Under the Pakistan Penal Code 1860, any person who makes a statement knowing or having reason to believe that it would “harm the reputation” of a person is guilty of an offense subject to imprisonment of up to five years. The law provides for few exceptions, including true statements about a person that are again also for the public good.

Section 499 of PPC 1860 talks about Defamation and the penalties attached to it. Sections 295, 295A, 295B and 295C of PPC 1860 makes religious defamation (blasphemy) a crime, punishable ranging from two-year imprisonment to death.

As to talk about Online defamation, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 deals with it. Under PECA 2016 an individual who makes an online statement that he/she knows is false and is likely to harm the reputation of a person is guilty of an offense that is subject to up to three years’ imprisonment.

Article 11, 20, 22, and 26 of PECA 2016, deals with defamation and its punishment.

Moreover, In Pakistan defamation is a criminal act under Ordinance no. LVI of 2002 known as The Defamation ordinance. In this Ordinance actually there was defined that defamation is of two types known as Libel and Slander.

The ordinance explains the courts, jurisdictions, and relevant authorities along with a detailed definition of defamation, its repercussions, and punishments.

Bibliography:

Pakistan penal code 1860.

The prevention of electronic crimes act 2016.

The Defamation ordinance 2000.