Senate resolution demands strict penalties against anti-army propaganda

Senators call for resolution of the missing persons issue in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate passed a resolution on Monday, calling for severe punishment, including a 10-year disqualification from public office, for those engaging in negative and malicious propaganda against the Pakistan Army and other security forces.

The resolution was presented by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Bahramand Tangi during the session chaired by Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani. It highlighted the indispensability of a strong military, especially in the face of hostile neighbours.

The resolution gained unanimous approval, reflecting cross-party consensus on the need for stringent measures against those spreading anti-military narratives on social media platforms. The resolution acknowledged the significant sacrifices made by the armed forces in the war against terrorism.

It expressed deep concern over the negative and malicious propaganda circulating on various social media platforms and called on the government to take necessary steps to impose severe punishment as per the law.

The resolution underlined the Senate’s concern over derogatory content targeting the Pakistan Army on social media and urged the government to take strict action against those involved in spreading anti-military propaganda.

Meanwhile, another resolution, moved by Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, recommended immediate steps to cater to the needs of all students and called for a reform of the higher education curriculum to educate students about the consequences and risks of drug usage.

Missing persons

During the session, senators voiced concerns over issue of missing persons, emphasising the need for immediate attention to matters affecting the nation's stability and democratic processes. Senator Muhammad Akram called the missing persons issue a human tragedy.

He stressed the need for resolving the issue through dialogue and called for forming a committee involving all stakeholders. Addressing the Senate, he noted the emotional distress faced by the families of the missing, demanding a democratic approach to resolve this national problem.

Maulana Ghafoor Haidari from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) condemned an attack on the convoy of party chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Expressing concerns over the security situation, he stressed the state's responsibility to provide adequate protection, especially in the context of upcoming elections.

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Haidari supported the demands of the protesters in Islamabad, calling for action against the district administration for their handling of the situation. He also slammed the crackdown on the protesters in the federal capital.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmed drew attention to the case of Balach Baloch allegedly killed by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). He also highlighted the prolonged disappearance of Jan Muhammad Baloch and Dr Deen Muhammad Baloch, calling for a comprehensive investigation.

Tahir Bizenjo expressed concerns over the missing persons in Balochistan, emphasising the need for a solution rather than creating counter-narratives. He warned that until peace was established in Balochistan, protests and unrest would persist.

On a different note, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Dr Humayun Mohmand criticised the caretaker government, questioning its effectiveness in conducting transparent elections. He cautioned that sidelining the PTI would not lead to stability.

Also during the session, the chair referred the Banking Company Ordinance, 2022 and the Deposit Protection Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 to the relevant standing committees after their tabling in the upper house of parliament as supplementary agenda.

On the objection raised by opposition leader Dr Shehzad Wasim, the chair said that Caretaker Finance Minister Shahmad Akhtar had said that progress report would have to be submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about these bills. therefore, the bills had been sent to the relevant committee.

Shahadat Awan of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Samina Mumtaz Zahri and Kuhda Babar proposed, as private members, the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, and a constitutional amendment bill to increase seats of minorities in the National Assembly.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)