Senate passes Army Act amendment bill in a rush; includes punishment for defaming army to two years

The Senate on Thursday passed a bill proposing amendments to the Pakistan Army Act 1952. The bill was moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and was rushed through without being referred to a standing committee. The bill includes a section regarding punishment for defaming army to two years and a fine along with rules for retired army officers.

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According to the contents of the bill, unauthorized disclosure of information obtained in the interest of national security and interest in the official capacity will be severely punished for up to five years, the disclosure with the permission of the Army Chief or the empowered officer will not be punished.

The bill also said that officials that fall under the law will not be able to participate in political activities within two years of retirement, resignation or dismissal.

According to the bill, a person involved in electronic crime, whose purpose is to defame the Pakistan Army, will be prosecuted under electronic crime.

Source: ARY News