ISLAMABAD: The Senate passed a bill imposing a three-year prison sentence for unauthorized protests.
The bill, concerning peaceful protests in designated areas of Islamabad, was introduced by PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui during a session chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani.
Senator Siddiqui called for the suspension of rules to expedite the bill’s approval, but PTI Senator Ali Zafar opposed this motion, questioning the urgency—particularly with a PTI rally planned for September 8. Zafar claimed the bill seemed intended to block the PTI rally, while opposition leader Shibli Faraz accused the government of using the legislation to stifle his party’s activities.
Siddiqui defended the bill, explaining that its purpose was to regulate protests, allowing gatherings in designated areas while protecting the rights of others. “We are providing them with facilities; that’s our only objective,” he said.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar responded by noting that the Senate had previously established such rules, which had been relaxed over time.
Opposition leader Shibli Faraz criticized the government, accusing it of misusing its authority. He warned that the law could backfire on the government, citing instances when cities were locked down for visiting cricket teams. Faraz alleged the bill was a targeted effort against PTI gatherings and questioned the law minister’s intentions. “This law is a direct attack on our political activities,” he said.
Faraz also expressed concern over a private member’s bill proposing an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges, arguing that such legislation should only be introduced by the government. He called it “inappropriate” for a private member to propose the increase.
During the session, the Senate approved the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024 by a majority vote. The law aims to regulate protests in Islamabad, ensuring a designated area for demonstrations and media coverage. Senate Chairman Gilani suggested creating a space similar to London’s Hyde Park for public gatherings and rallies.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
