The Senate of Pakistan has passed a bill to amend the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, seeking stern action against anyone who discloses sensitive information pertaining to the army or seeks to malign the armed forces in any way.
The bill, which was passed on Thursday, states that those who disclose information against the interests of the country or the Pakistan Army will be dealt with under the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act.
It further permits a punishment of up to five years if a person discloses any sensitive information in the interest of national security — obtained in an official capacity — without prior permission of the army chief.
The bill also seeks to bar persons subject to this act from engaging in political activity for two years from the date of their retirement, release, resignation, discharge, removal or dismissal from the service.
Those “employed, seconded, tasked or otherwise attached” to “sensitive” duties under the act will be barred from political activities for five years after they leave their posts.
The bill also states that action will be taken against those involved in defamation of the military and they will be punished under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (Act XL of 2016) or relevant electronic, digital, and social media laws.
Raza Rabbani Stages Walkout
Meanwhile, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Mian Raza Rabbani staged a walkout from the house terming the approval of multiple bills in a day as “blind legislation”.
Rabbani said that the manner in which the bills were passed today is a “dark day” and added that these are very important bills but the members got these today.
Regarding the bill related to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the PPP senator said it is illegal and its purpose is to roll back the 18th amendment.