The Senate has approved a law that will punish those who organize or take part in unapproved protests in the nation’s capital city with up to three years in prison. Enforcing that rallies take place only in locations authorized by the government is the main goal of the law.
In a meeting presided over by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, the bill was approved by a majority of votes. The new law states that while nonviolent protests are permitted in specific locations, such as Sangjani, those who organize unauthorized rallies risk jail time.
The government was allegedly trying to stop opposition parties’ rallies in Islamabad, especially Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members, who were against the law.
PTI Senator Ali Zafar expressed worries, claiming that the measure was intended to put an end to a planned PTI demonstration. Senator Irfan Siddiqui, however, supported the bill, saying that its goal was to improve the facilities for nonviolent meetings rather than to stifle political speech.
Azam Nazir Tarar, the federal minister, continued by saying that the government would designate particular spaces for protests and guarantee media presence at these sites. Now, the bill will proceed to the next level of approval before being signed into law. Sen. Saleem Mandviwalla’s “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024” was adopted by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior earlier on Tuesday.
PTI to hold a rally on September 8 in Islamabad
The nation has been invited by Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to join the party’s September 8 rally in Islamabad. He exhorted followers to overcome all barriers put in their way to attend the event.
Speaking with reporters during the £190 million case hearing held inside the Adiala Jail, Imran expressed his disapproval of terrorism because it was detrimental to the nation. According to a story, he ordered the party officials to come out of hiding, but he denied knowing anything about it.
Imran assured everyone that the PTI gathering in Islamabad would be on time. Currently, September 8 will see a gathering in Islamabad. On September 8, I am requesting that everyone in the country come out. He commanded, “On that day, do not put up with any obstructions.”
