Daily Times

On Thursday, the upper house of parliament passed a bill proposing changes to the Army Act.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif introduced the bill, which was rushed through without being referred to a committee.

The bill includes a section that increases the penalty for defaming the army to two years in prison and a fine.

The amendments also state that disclosing information related to national security or national interests will result in a five-year prison sentence. The individual will face charges under the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.

The bill also states that officials subject to the law will be barred from participating in political activities for two years following their retirement, resignation, or dismissal. Sensitive positions will have a five-year tenure.

The bill states that if a person commits an offense against the Army under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, action will be taken against him under the act.

Senator Raza Rabbani stated at the start of the proceedings that a new bill had been tabled this morning and should be sent to the relevant committee.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmad agreed with Rabbani, saying that while everyone loved the army, the house’s stature should be respected.

Senators from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf as well as Raza Rabbani and Tahir Bizenjo walked out of the proceedings.