ISLAMABAD (republic policy) – The Senate on Thursday passed the Army Act Amendment Bill, which allowed sentencing a person for revealing any information related to national security and interest for unauthorised use which they had gathered in an official capacity.
Prescribing a five-year jail term for the crime, the bill says the person revealing any information damaging to Pakistan or the military would be dealt with under the Army Act. However, it won’t be a crime if the act is committed with the permission of the chief of army staff or an authorised officer/official.
The draft legislation tabled by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif with Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani in the chair also says that any state employee [public servant] won’t be able to participate in political activities for two years after their retirement, resignation or dismissal.
However, this period is extended to five years in case of serving in a sensitive position. In case of any violation, the person would face a two-year sentence.
At the same time, the Army Act Amendment Bill also covers the subject of defaming the military through the use of electronic media [social media]. Hence, the accused involved in slandering and spreading hate against the military would face trial [under the existing regulations of The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act] with a maximum punishment of a two-year term and fine.
Meanwhile, the Senate also passed two other draft legislations too – the Cantonments Act Amendment Bill and the Board of Investment Act Amendment Bill.
