Standing committee on Law approves Fair Trial Bill 2012

Bill to be reviewed again before it is presented in the parliament.


Web Desk December 11, 2012

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s standing committee on Law and Justice approved the Fair Trial Bill 2012 on Tuesday, Express News has reported.

The proposed piece of legislation is set to formally pave the way for the government to tap phones and use e-mails and text messages as proof in trials.

During today’s committee meeting, Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) raised concerns over the bill and enquired how authorities will ensure this bill will be used only against criminals and common men will not be unduly harassed.

The bill, however, will be reviewed again before it is presented in the parliament.

Fair Trial Bill

According to the law, the government can access “data, information or material in any documented form … through audio visual device, CCTV, still photography, bugging, observation or any mode of modern devices or techniques obtained under the Act … documents, papers, pamphlets, booklets” for surveillance.

The government can also intercept “emails, SMS, internet protocol detail record, call detail record and any form of computer based or cell phone based communication. It also includes any means of communication using wired/wireless/internet protocol-based media/gadgetry.”

COMMENTS (2)

S K Afridi | 11 years ago | Reply

With the passage of this bill it will become easier for the state to punish the terrorists provided it is not misused to harass the common man.

Ali | 11 years ago | Reply

How does the picture relate to the news item???

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