Senate approves Official Secrets Bill as govt axes warrantless arrests provision

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Sunday passed the Official Secrets Act Amendment Bill 2023 after the government removed the warrantless arrests provision from the draft law.

The government also withdrew the Counterterrorism Amendment Bill, 2023

The session of the Upper House was chaired by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani.

Law Minister Nazir Tarar presented the Official Secrets Amendment Bill, 2023 in the Senate for approval.

Official secrets bill sent to standing committee after fierce opposition in Senate

Regarding the amendments, Tarar said that the bill enhances the powers of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the FIA Director General.

He further stated that objections were raised on two points, which have now been addressed; the provision allowing agencies to make arrests without warrants has been withdrawn.

He said that the objectionable wording in the bill has also been changed.

He emphasized that “we must see beyond prejudice, as our military and intelligence personnel are sacrificing their lives in the war zones and they deserve protection.”

Government members, including Senator Raza Rabbani and Kamran Murtaza, expressed reservations on the bill.

Tahir Bizenjo of the National Party said they (government) were withdrawing unlimited powers, and they have no objections now.

However, Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed continued to raise objections, stating that there were many controversial aspects in the Official Secrets Act Amendment Bill.

He said that it should not be passed in the current situation, extraordinary powers should not be given.

JUI Senator Kamran Murtaza raised a question about who would be in the next government; it is not known, so let’s correct the bill, otherwise, you may also fall victim to it.

PPP’s Raza Rabbani said that the Official Secrets Act Amendment Bill 2023 should be reconsidered, and the necessity of amending the Act has not been explained.

Afterwards, the Senate unanimously passed the Higher Education Commission Bill 2023, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Conversion Bill 2023, Zakat and Ushr Ordinance Bill 2023.

The Senate session was prorogued till Monday afternoon.