ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) declared that it will take action against its Senators who are deemed “guilty” of voting in favor of the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The bill proposes a maximum of five years imprisonment for individuals who disclose sensitive information concerning the army or engage in any form of defamation against the armed forces.
On July 27, the upper house of parliament approved the bill amending the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, with a majority vote. The amendment seeks to impose strict measures against those who disclose sensitive information about the country’s security or armed forces.
Earlier today, PTI’s core committee meeting, chaired by party chief Imran Khan, was held. It results in the decision to take disciplinary action against lawmakers who are found guilty of deviating from the party’s policy in connection with the approval of the Army Act in the Senate.
The PTI announced on Twitter that a one-member commission led by Senator Shibli Faraz will immediately launch a probe into the role of PTI’s senators in the bill’s approval. It will also present its recommendations to the party chairman.
The statement asserted that disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of deviating from the party line. It was based on the commission’s recommendations.
The core committee meeting addressed various topics, including the current political situation in the country. It also includes reparations for the upcoming general elections, the party’s political strategy, and other relevant issues.
The former ruling party announced on Twitter that a one-member commission led by Senator Shibli Faraz will immediately investigate the role of PTI’s senators in the bill’s approval and present its recommendations to the party chairman.
The bill titled “Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2023,” presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, also emphasized that individuals who disclose information against the interests of the country or the Pakistan Army will be subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act.
The bill states that “If any person, who is or has been subject to this Act, discloses or causes to be disclosed any information, acquired in an official capacity, which is or may be prejudicial to the security and interest of Pakistan or the Armed Forces of Pakistan, shall be guilty of an offence, and on conviction by the court constituted under this Act, be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years”
During the session, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Mian Raza Rabbani staged a walkout from the house, denouncing the approval of multiple bills in a day as “blind legislation.”
Rabbani expressed concern about the way the bills were passed, considering it a “dark day,” as these important bills were presented to the members on the same day of approval.
