ISLAMABAD, Aug 1: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist (PFUJ) on Sunday rejected the Defamation Bill presented by the government in the National Assembly last week, and termed it a bid to silence the people and the press.

In a press statement, PFUJ leaders said such a law could not be accepted in any civilised society. They severely criticized some clauses of the bill under which any press statement against the government, government officials and influential people would be considered an offence.

They said the government should make any amendment to the defamation laws already in force through ratification of the judiciary. They urged the government to table the 'Access to Information Bill' in the lower house for debate to ensure complete press freedom in the country.

They said that the PFUJ would continue to oppose all 'black laws' directed against the freedom of press. They also urged the government to fulfil its commitments regarding economic rights of journalists.