The National Assembly has passed the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024 with a majority vote, despite strong protests from the opposition. During the session, opposition members, including Aamir Dogar from PTI, expressed their disapproval through vocal objections and demonstrations. Dogar criticized the swift passage of the bills, particularly the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, arguing that it would be misused for political purposes. He compared the bill to repressive measures from the British era and raised concerns that existing legislation on public assemblies was already adequate. Dogar called for the bill to be reviewed by a committee for further examination and proposed amendments.
In response to the opposition’s concerns, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the bill by pointing out that large gatherings in Islamabad had been causing significant disruptions. He asserted that if the opposition had issues with the bill, they could propose amendments. The bill includes several strict measures aimed at regulating public gatherings and maintaining order. For instance, organizing or attending a public gathering without prior permission could result in up to three years of imprisonment, with repeat offences punishable by up to ten years. Specific areas, such as Mauza Sangjani or other government-designated spaces, are designated for public assemblies, and permits are required. Even after permission is granted, a police officer has the authority to disperse the gathering if necessary.
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The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024 also gives significant power to the district magistrate, who must approve or deny requests for gatherings and can amend permits based on national security risks or potential law and order issues. Additionally, certain areas of Islamabad may be designated as high-security zones, restricting public access and assembly. Organizers are required to submit detailed requests to the district magistrate at least seven days in advance, including information about the location, time, number of participants, and purpose of the gathering. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in arrests and detention for participants in illegal gatherings, with penalties including imprisonment and fines.
The Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024 introduces notable changes to electoral procedures. Candidates are now required to submit their party ticket to the returning officer within a specified period, or they will be considered independent. Additionally, candidates must provide a party certificate to be recognized as part of a political party, and failure to do so will result in independent status. Once a candidate declares their party affiliation, it is final and cannot be changed, preventing last-minute switches. The bill also impacts the allocation of reserved seats in the legislature. Political parties that do not secure any seats in the elections will be ineligible for reserved seats, and failure to submit a list of candidates for reserved seats within the prescribed period will result in losing the right to those seats.
