LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described recently introduced defamation law as need of hour and wondered how one could oppose initiative amid an unchecked trend of levelling baseless accusations against others.

She promised not to allow anyone to take law into their own hands, as she expressed serious concerns over recent mob lynching in Swat and other similar incidents in country. Citing trend of mob justice where people within minutes assemble and don’t hesitate killing others without checking facts, she warned that practice would endanger lives of everyone and said there was an urgent need to stop practice. Addressing an Ittehad Bain ul Muslimeen Conference, cited misuse of mainstream and social media as reason for introducing Punjab Defamation Act She said was unable to understand those opposing legislation, meaning that they were against law but won’t stop defaming others. She said no one should experience politically-motivated character assassination and added that issue would be settled in case of providing proof to substantiate an allegation. One would be punished if purpose of hurling accusation is just to blame other, she said, urging to provide evidence if any allegation is made.

She listed practice as disease which, she said, spread due to complete absence of accountability. Maryam cited situation faced by Sharif family for settling political score in 2018 as an example and narrated how political party-as she avoided naming PTI-used some individuals for purpose.