ISLAMABAD: If you are participating in a public meeting or protest in Islamabad, whether political or non-political, you could face up to 10 years in jail under the newly enacted “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024” law.
This legislation, passed by both houses of Parliament just before the scheduled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally on Sunday, suggest severe penalties for unauthorized assemblies.
The Act, introduced by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Irfan Siddique, stipulates that unauthorized public gatherings can result in up to three years in prison for a first offense, and up to ten years for repeat violations. Public assemblies must now be held only at designated locations, such as Sangjani or other government-specified sites.
Even with official permission, police have the authority to disperse gatherings at their discretion. Permission requests must be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner at least seven days in advance and must include details about the venue, number of participants, timing, and purpose. The District Magistrate will review these requests, taking into account security and law enforcement considerations.
The government can designate certain areas of Islamabad as red zones or high-security zones. If a gathering disrupts public order and is not dispersed, police may use force to break it up and arrest or detain participants.
Unauthorized gatherings are deemed illegal under the new law, with severe consequences for non-compliance.
The government also has the authority to designate certain areas of Islamabad as red zones or high-security zones. If a gathering disrupts public order and is not dispersed, police may use force to break up the assembly and arrest or detain participants.
