NA approves Islamabad public gathering law

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly (NA) on Thursday passed the Election Act Amendment Bill and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill following its approval by the Senate.

The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, saw the introduction of the Election Act Amendment Bill 2024 by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. After voting, the bill was passed by a majority.

The Senate had approved the bill earlier.

Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) introduced the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024 as a supplementary agenda item.

Although members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) strongly opposed the bill, it was passed by a majority vote. The opposition members protested, chanting "No, no" in the assembly.

After approval from both houses, the bills will now be sent to the president for final endorsement to become law.

Under the new law, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad will grant permission for rallies. In case of rejection, an appeal can be made to the Chief Commissioner.

If the appeal is turned down, the decision can be further challenged before the Interior Secretary. The government will designate specific areas for gatherings, which will be officially notified.

For any public gathering in Islamabad, organizers must submit an application to the DC at least seven days in advance.