NA approves bill seeking jail for unauthorised gatherings in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Following the Senate, the National Assembly has also passed the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Peace Bill, 2024” by majority vote, introducing stringent measures against unauthorised gatherings in Islamabad.

The bill was presented by PML-N member Daniyal Chaudhry during a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

Despite strong opposition from PTI and the Sunni Ittehad Council, the bill was passed with a majority vote. Members of both opposition groups protested and chanted slogans of “No, No” during the session.

Also read: PTI gets permission for Islamabad rally on Sep 8

Having already been approved by the Senate, the bill will now be forwarded to the president for final approval. Once signed, it will become law.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Permit Requirement for Gatherings

Under the new law, any gathering or assembly in Islamabad must receive prior approval from the deputy commissioner (DC). If the DC denies permission, an appeal can be made to the chief commissioner, and further option for filing a review plea with the home secretary if the former two deny permission.

Designated Areas for Public Assemblies

The government will designate specific areas, such as Sangjani or other suburbs of Islamabad, for public assemblies. This designation will be issued through an official gazette notification.

Application Process

 Organizers will submit an application to the district magistrate (deputy commissioner) at least seven days before the planned assembly. The application must include details such as the location, the number of participants, the timing, and the objectives of the gathering. The district magistrate has the authority to reject the application and must provide written reasons for doing so.

Security Assessment

Before granting approval, the district magistrate will evaluate the law and order situation and obtain security clearance from relevant law enforcement agencies. Assemblies will only be permitted in designated areas.

Modifications and Restrictions

The district magistrate has the power to modify or revoke permits if there is a perceived threat to national security, public safety, or the potential for violence or disruption to law and order. Additionally, the government can declare specific areas of Islamabad as high-security or “red zones.”

Penalties for Violations

Participants in unauthorised assemblies can be arrested and detained. Under the bill, violators face imprisonment of up to three years and may be fined. Repeat offenders could face sentences of up to 10 years.

If a gathering poses a risk to public safety, the district magistrate may direct the police to disperse it. In cases where a crowd fails to disperse voluntarily, the police will be authorised to use force.

During the session, PTI member Jamshed Dasti raised a point of order regarding quorum, after which the National Assembly meeting was adjourned until 5 pm on Monday.