Senate committee backs bill criminalising Zionist symbols, propaganda

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has endorsed a bill proposing penalties, including a three-year prison sentence and fines, for individuals found promoting Zionism or displaying symbols associated with the movement. 

The bill, introduced by Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was approved on Thursday and will now proceed for further legislative consideration.

The proposed legislation addresses Zionism, which originated in the late 19th century as an ethnic and religious movement and later evolved into a political movement aimed at establishing a Jewish state in Palestine. 

According to the draft law, any individual who “knowingly or intentionally engages in preaching Zionism to incite and provoke hatred in society” would be liable to up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs40,000, or both. 

Similarly, displaying Zionist symbols to disturb public peace would carry a punishment of up to two years in prison and a fine of Rs30,000.

The bill, introduced as a private member’s initiative by Senator Khan, does not reflect an official stance of the Pakistani government. The bill cites Pakistan’s Islamic character as justification for prohibiting symbols or acts that could “spread unrest” by promoting Zionism.