Senate passes Army Act amendment bill. The Senate approved amendments to the Army Act 1952 on Thursday, enhancing punishment for those involved in spreading hatred and defaming the Pakistan Army.
The amendment bill was introduced by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and passed by the upper house of parliament despite opposition from rival parties and PPP leader Raza Rabbani, who stated that he could not support such legislation.
The bill proposes a two-year prison sentence and a fine for those who defame the military, with those who use electronic channels to do so prosecuted under electronic crime.
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As the Senate passes the Army Act amendment bill, furthermore, unauthorized disclosures of information related to state integrity and interest would result in a five-year prison sentence.
It also states that those who share information at the request of the army chief and an authorized person will not be punished.
According to the draught bill, anyone who discloses information that is harmful to Pakistan or the Pakistan Army will be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act.
It also prohibits former intelligence officers from participating in political activities for five years after their retirement. The violation could result in a two-year prison sentence.
