Islamabad

The Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was approved by the National Assembly on Monday, opening the way for a jail term of up to five years with hard labour for anyone found guilty. Disclosing any ‘sensitive information’ obtained in the course of official work which is or may be prejudicial to the security and interest of Pakistan or the armed forces, reports Geo News.

The law, which has already been approved by the Senate, was introduced in the lower house of parliament by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar. In his remarks to the chamber, Tarar made it clear that none of the clauses of the Bill applies to citizens. He said that this bill will not have any effect on the case going on in the Supreme Court. The Pakistan Army Act of 1952 is being amended by this bill to establish a legal basis for the creation and funding of the army.

According to the Geo News report, according to the law, the Pakistan Army can directly or indirectly engage in activities that serve national development or national or strategic interest, under the direction of or with the consent of the competent government authorities.
Additionally, the Bill bars dual citizens from holding army commands. It empowers the federal government, on the advice of the Chief of Army Staff, to compel any member of the military to serve until the age of 60 in exceptional circumstances. The Bill also urges people to abstain from all political participation for two years after their retirement, release, resignation, dismissal, removal or dismissal from their posts of employment.

In addition, for five years after the date of their retirement, anyone who is still posted, employed, seconded, tasked, or attached to sensitive duties, according to the bill, reports Geo News. , He has been banned from engaging in political activities. The measure also addresses Internet crimes, which include any action intended to undermine, mock, or otherwise embarrass the armed forces.