ISLAMABAD, Jul 27 (NNI): The Upper House the Parliament, the Senate, on Thursday passed Army Act 1952 (Amendment) Bill.
The bill was jointly tabled by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and was railroaded for approval without being referred to a committee.
The bill includes a section regarding awarding punishment of two years and fine for defaming Army.
The amendments also say that divulging information related to national security and national interests will lead to a prison sentence of up to five years. The person will be penalised under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
The legislation also says that officials who fall under the law will not be able to participate in political activities within two years of their retirement, resignation or dismissal. The duration for those on sensitive posts will be five years.
In case a person commits an offence against the Army under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, action will be taken against him under the act, the bill says.
The bill further reads that anyone making a revelation either with the permission of the army chief or any other authorized army officer will not be punished.
Furthermore, a person leaking information, gathered in the country’s interest in official capacity, without authorization will be awarded five-year imprisonment.
The bill lays down rigorous two-year prison term for the violators of a ban on participation in political activities for those who are covered by this legislation.
Moreover, any person leaking information that could hurt the interests of Pakistan and Pakistan Army would be dealt with under the Army Act and Official Secrets Act.
At the start of proceedings, Senator Raza Rabbani said that a new bill had been tabled this morning and should be sent to the relevant committee.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmad echoed Rabbani’s call and said that everyone loves the Army but the stature of the House should be respected.
Senators from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as well as Raza Rabbani and Tahir Bizenjo walked out of the Senate proceedings after their call went unheeded. NNI
