The Senate approved a bill that would amend the Pakistan Army Act of 1952.
Senate passes Army Act bill: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif proposed the law, which was swiftly passed without being sent to a standing committee.
The measure contains a clause that stipulates a fine and two years in prison for anyone who disparages the military.
The bill
The bill’s provisions state that unauthorised disclosure of information obtained in the interest of national security and in one’s official capacity will result in severe punishment for up to five years; however, disclosure done with the Army Chief’s or the authorised officer’s consent will not result in punishment.
The bill also stated that it will not permit those who are subject to it to engage in political activity for two years following their retirement, resignation, or dismissal.
The measure states that anyone who engages in electronic crime with the intention of disparaging the Pakistan Army shall face legal action.
Additionally, Raza Rabbani, a senator from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), protested the bill by leaving the upper house. According to Raza Rabbani, the relevant Standing Committee should receive the Army Act Amendment Bill.
Further, He declared that the day will go down in Pakistan’s parliament’s history as “black” and claimed that “we were not provided even copies of the bill that just sailed through Senate.”
Additionally, senators from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf left the meeting.