Islamabad: Senate Committee Approves Bill on Unauthorized Assemblies, Imposing Up to Three Years Imprisonment

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved a controversial bill aimed at regulating public assemblies and protests in Islamabad. The bill stipulates that any unauthorized gathering or participation in a protest in Islamabad, including areas such as Sangjani or any location designated by the government, could lead to a prison sentence of up to three years.

The bill, formally known as the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024,” was presented by Senator Saleem H. Mandviwala in a session chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman. The committee’s discussion revealed a range of opinions and concerns regarding the new legislation.

Key Points of the Bill:

• Regulation of Protests: The bill aims to ensure that all public gatherings and protests in Islamabad are conducted only at government-approved locations. Unauthorized assemblies can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years.
• Committee Discussion: Senator Irfan Siddiqui, while discussing the bill, emphasized the need for a designated area for protests to avoid disruption and ensure public order. He noted that current regulations are causing significant inconvenience, including the placement of containers in Islamabad, which are affecting daily life.
• Criticism and Concerns: Senator Saifullah Abro criticized the bill, drawing a parallel with the 58-2B amendment that he claimed had previously caused systemic issues for two decades. He urged a review of existing laws before implementing the new bill. Additionally, he highlighted concerns about the potential misuse of such regulations and the impact on citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
• Support and Opposition: Despite objections from some members, including Senator Saifullah Abro, who raised concerns about the potential impact on constitutional rights and previous legal issues, the bill received support from the majority of the committee members. The bill was passed by a majority vote of six in favor, with Senator Saifullah Abro being the only dissenting voice.
• Political Reaction: The bill has sparked a debate about its implications for democratic rights and freedoms. Critics argue that it could be used to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression, while supporters claim it is necessary to maintain public order and prevent disruptions.
• Public and Media Reactions: The bill has been met with mixed reactions from the public and media. Some view it as a necessary measure to address public disturbances, while others see it as an infringement on fundamental rights. Discussions on social media platforms and news outlets reflect ongoing concerns and debates about the balance between public order and individual freedoms.
• Senate Committee Meeting Details: For a detailed account of the committee meeting and discussions, visit Senate of Pakistan’s official website.
• Media Coverage: Express News provides coverage and updates on the bill’s progress and related discussions. For more information, refer to their website and Twitter.
• Public Reactions: Social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, are actively discussing the implications of the bill. Hashtags like #IslamabadProtestBill and #PublicOrder2024 are trending as citizens and activists weigh in on the issue.

The approval of this bill marks a significant development in how public assemblies will be regulated in Islamabad, potentially shaping the future of protests and public gatherings in the region.