NA Greenlights Bill to Manage Public Assemblies Amidst Growing Protests

Tarar Highlights Importance of Maintaining Peace During Public Gatherings

Web EditorSeptember 7, 2024

1 minute read

The National Assembly witnessed chaos on Tuesday as opposition members erupted in protest upon the arrival of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was marred by a commotion as the opposition lawmakers raised slogans and tore copies of the day’s agenda. Remaining Time -14:07 As the Prime Minister entered the assembly hall, opposition members not only staged a protest but also engaged in loud chanting, disrupting the proceedings. In response, government members countered with chants of “Sher Aaya, Sher Aaya,” further intensifying the scene. Amidst the uproar, Asiya Naz, a member of the opposition, presented a notice highlighting the ongoing gender disparity between male and female voters. She called attention to the persistent gap in voter turnout and representation. In response, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar addressed the issue, stating that the Election Commission of Pakistan was actively working to reduce the gender gap in voter registration. He assured that the government was providing full support to these efforts, with institutions like NADRA also playing a key role. According to Minister Tarar, the gender gap has reduced to 7% from previous levels. Despite the disruptions, the session continued, with both sides remaining at odds over the key issues being raised. — Senator Qasim Roonjho Resigns from BNP-M After Constitutional Vote

Islamabad-On Friday, the National Assembly passed the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024’ with a majority vote, as the PTI plans a rally in Islamabad this Sunday.

The bill, introduced by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Danyal Chaudhary, is designed to regulate public gatherings to prevent disruptions to public order.

Law Minister Azam Tarar explained that the bill aims to maintain peace during assemblies and processions. He countered opposition concerns by emphasizing the growing number of demonstrations in the capital, which he said have significantly inconvenienced residents. The bill is intended to address these issues while still upholding the right to peaceful assembly.

Tarar criticized the opposition’s view, arguing that the increasing number of processions has led to a situation where the capital feels “under siege” and has negatively impacted citizens’ daily lives.

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The Statement of Objects and Reasons for the bill notes that while the right to peaceful assembly is fundamental, it must be balanced with reasonable restrictions to maintain public order, morality, and state security. The aim is to ensure that exercising this right does not infringe on others’ rights or destabilize society.

Regulations under the bill may include requiring permits, setting restrictions on timing and location, or limiting gathering sizes. These measures are designed to allow peaceful demonstrations while minimizing potential conflicts or disruptions to daily life.

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