President Arif Alvi has given his official approval to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023, thus enacting them into law.
These bills underwent a rigorous legislative process, receiving approval from both the Senate and National Assembly. This journey through the legislative chambers generated significant debate and criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum.
The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which was passed by the National Assembly on July 31, introduces measures to deter the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information related to national security or the armed forces. Individuals found guilty of such disclosures could now face a potential five-year prison sentence.
Concurrently, the Official Secrets Act received the green light shortly before the National Assembly was dissolved on August 7, 2023. These legislative developments reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive national interests and maintaining the security of the nation.
