The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have expressed concern at the ‘Contempt of Parliament Bill 2023’ approved by the Pakistan’s parliament and said that the bill has potential to be used against government opponents, including independent journalists.

The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the bill on May 16 that will authorise lawmakers to punish those who are deemed to have committed contempt, failed to obey the orders of the parliament or its committees, failed to provide documents, submitted tampered documents before a House or committee, or violated the privilege of any member of the Parliament, including all Members of the National Assembly and Senate, among other clauses. The bill affords parliament the authority to prescribe a punishment of up to six months imprisonment, or PKR 1,000,000 (approx. USD 3,477) fine.