ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government drafted the Prevention of violent extremism bill, which aimed to prevent violent extremism and disqualify any organization resorting to extremism from contesting elections.
According to Azam Nazeer Tarar, the Minister of Law and Justice, every single clause, full stop, and comma in the bill was placed by the PTI regime itself.
However, the current government has decided against introducing the bill, as revealed by Tarar. Further that the Prime Minister advises against rushing into such legislation. In 2018, there was an agreement among all political parties that the next elections would be based on a new census.
Tarar explained that if the Council of Common Interest approves the census, constituencies within the provinces can be changed, which would require one to one and a half months for the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, he emphasized that there is no possibility of an indefinite delay in the elections.
Senate chairman ‘drops’ highly-opposed the bill
Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani dropped the highly-opposed Prevention of violent extremism bill, halting further proceedings, following opposition by senators who believed it could have significant and far-reaching repercussions on political parties.
The senators, including members of the ruling coalition, expressed their opposition to the bill. Stating that such decisions were made without any consultations. and at the behest of just two political parties, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
They considered the bill “dangerous for democracy” and believed. It was being introduced to target a specific political party. With the potential to be weaponized against others in the future, thus damaging democracy and democratic values in the country.
As a result of the Senate chairman dropping the bill, its future appears distant. It is unlikely to be approved. There is a possibility it won’t be presented again. Unless the government gains the confidence of the coalition leadership and parties.
Prevention of violent extremism bill
According to the draft bill, violent extremism. Including inciting, supporting, threatening, and resorting to violence and hostility. Due to political, religious, and sectarian as well as ideological beliefs. Including financing and providing protection to individuals or organizations involved in violent extremism — all of which are prohibited by law.
The draft bill emphasizes the state’s commitment to strengthen the legal mechanism to counter the promotion. And the propagation of acts of violent extremism and provide de-radicalization and rehabilitation mechanisms for affected individuals.
Additionally, it is necessary to provide a mechanism to prevent violent extremism. And address related matters, as stated in the draft bill.
Following its approval, the government can add a person or organization to lists 1 and 2 related to violent extremism.
