The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved a bill on Tuesday that imposes regulations on peaceful protests and rallies in Islamabad. The bill mandates that such activities can only take place in government-approved, designated areas.
The “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024,” introduced by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, has outlined strict regulations on protests within Islamabad.
Under the bill, demonstrations are restricted to designated locations like the Sangjani area or other sites approved by the government. Protests held without official approval could lead to participants being sentenced to up to three years in prison.
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During the discussion, Senator Irfan Siddiqui noted that the bill focuses solely on Islamabad and seeks to legally regulate protests to reduce disruptions. He recommended setting aside a specific area for demonstrations to avoid the frequent roadblocks that cause inconvenience to the public and diplomats.
Senator Mandviwalla explained that the bill aims to create a legal way to manage protests, helping to avoid clashes between the judiciary and the administration. He mentioned recent cases where small groups blocked highways, causing disruptions and preventing Senate members from attending meetings.
On the other hand, Senator Saifullah Abro opposed the bill, suggesting that existing laws should be reviewed before making new ones. He also worried that the law could be used to stop peaceful protests. Senators Samina Mumtaz Zehri and Omar Farooq added that the bill isn’t meant to target any political group but to ensure protests don’t damage public or private property.
