Lahore, Amidst growing concern over the proposed Punjab Defamation Bill and Electronic Crime Bill, Dr. Younis Danish, the central spokesperson for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, has called for greater consultation with journalistic organizations and intellectuals.

According to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, Dr. Danish highlighted that the bills could potentially serve as tools to silence opposition rather than deliver benefits, posing a risk of misuse against critics of the government. He emphasized the necessity of involving all relevant stakeholders in the legislative process to avoid any ambiguity and ensure that the laws do not target dissenting voices. Dr. Danish expressed his concerns about the rapid drafting of such significant legislation, which he believes has historically led to adverse consequences for the nation.

The spokesperson also criticized the current economic policies under the IMF program, accusing them of favoring the elite while placing a disproportionate burden on the less affluent through high taxes on essential services like energy. He pointed out the contrasting subsidies provided to the wealthy for petrol, gas, and electricity, which he claimed exacerbate the economic disparity in the country. Dr. Danish argued that without significant changes, these policies would continue to exacerbate poverty, unemployment, and inflation, further straining the socio-economic fabric of Pakistan.