The Pakistan Senate has passed a contentious piece of legislation, the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024,’ which proposes up to three years of imprisonment for individuals participating in unauthorized assemblies within the federal capital.
The bill, passed on Thursday, has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers, with sharp disagreements over its implications and intentions.
Senate Passes the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024’
In a significant development, the Pakistan Senate approved the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024’ after suspending its rules for immediate consideration.
The bill seeks to grant district magistrates the authority to regulate and potentially ban public gatherings in Islamabad. The move comes amidst ongoing tensions between various political factions and the government’s efforts to assert control over public demonstrations.
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior Chairman Saleem Rehman introduced the bill’s report, highlighting that it had been passed with a substantial majority of 6-1 votes within the committee.
This led to a heated debate when PML-N parliamentary leader Irfanul Haq Siddiqui requested that the bill be taken up for immediate consideration, noting that a motion for this had already been placed on the agenda.
Opposition and Government Reactions
PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar strongly opposed the bill, arguing that the suspension of rules was unjustified and designed specifically to prevent the PTI from holding a rally scheduled for September 8 in Islamabad.
He contended that rules could only be suspended in cases of inconsistency or difficulty in their application, not for curtailing political gatherings.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the bill, asserting that it did not target any specific rally but aimed to regulate public gatherings in designated areas.
He reassured that the PTI’s permission to hold the rally was “intact for now” and that media coverage of the event would be facilitated. Tarar emphasized that the suspension of rules was a legitimate parliamentary procedure, which had been used in the past for various legislative needs.
Opposition leader Syed Shibli Faraz condemned the bill as a ‘mala fide’ move, accusing the government of misusing its majority to suppress opposition activities. Faraz warned that the legislation could be used against the treasury in future political maneuvers. He also criticized Law Minister Tarar for his perceived lack of competence and questioned why he had not objected to other recent legislative proposals.
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla of the PPP supported the bill, arguing that similar procedures had been followed in the past without controversy.
He noted that PTI’s Mohsin Aziz had previously moved a money bill which was accepted, although this claim was disputed by Senator Shibli Faraz, who argued that it was not a money bill but related to bank loans.
Senate Proceedings Marred by Personal Disputes
The Senate session also saw a dramatic turn with an altercation between Senator Shahadat Hussain Awan of the PPP and Senator Saifullah Abro of the PTI.
The altercation, which occurred two days prior during a Senate panel meeting, led to a temporary suspension of proceedings when the issue was raised in the house.
Senator Faraz suggested forming a committee to investigate the incident, denouncing the use of ‘un-parliamentary norms’ by the PTI.
Senator Awan recounted the incident, describing Abro’s behavior as intolerable, accusing him of foul language and threats. Awan expressed that his self-respect outweighed his commitment to the Senate’s dignity and leveled serious allegations against Senator Abro.
The episode highlighted the tensions and personal conflicts that often accompany legislative processes, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious debate surrounding the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024.’
The passage of the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024’ marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s approach to managing public assemblies in its federal capital.
While the government insists that the bill is designed to ensure order and safety, critics argue that it is a direct attempt to stifle political opposition and suppress dissent.
As the bill moves forward, its impact on political rallies and public gatherings will be closely scrutinized. Additionally, the personal disputes among senators underscore the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s legislative environment as it grapples with contentious issues and heightened political tensions.
