The Senate approved on Thursday a bill that imposes a three-year prison sentence for unauthorised protests, despite opposition from several senators.

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui moved the bill regarding peaceful protests in designated areas of Islamabad in the session presided over by Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani.

When Siddiqui requested the suspension of rules to expedite the bill’s approval, PTI Senator Ali Zafar opposed the motion and questioned the urgency of the legislation, especially with a PTI rally scheduled for September 8.

Zafar claimed that the bill appeared to be an attempt to prevent the upcoming PTI rally while opposition leader Shibli Faraz accused the government of bringing in the legislation to suppress his party’s activities.

Siddiqui stated that the government aims to regulate protests, allowing people to gather wherever they wish while ensuring that the rights of millions are not violated. “We are providing them with facilities; that’s our only objective,” he said.

In response, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar pointed out that such rules were established by the Senate itself and have been relaxed over time since the formation of the house.

Later, the opposition leader accused the government of misusing its authority. “This law will come back to haunt you. When cricket teams arrive, the city is also locked down,” he said and highlighted what he described as the government’s “ill intentions” behind the bill.

Faraz challenged the government to hold its rally, asserting that the law was specifically designed to target PTI’s gatherings. “How can the law minister throw dust in our eyes in broad daylight?” he questioned, further indicating the opposition’s belief that the “legislation is a direct attack on its political activities.”

Judges strength

Senator Faraz raised concerns regarding the private member’s bill proposing an increase in the number of Supreme Court judges, stating that such a bill cannot be introduced by a private member.

He questioned how a private bill to increase judges could be presented in the House, emphasising that only the government can propose legislation regarding the number of judges.

The PTI senator added that he faced embarrassment in the National Assembly over the judges’ number increase bill, asserting that it was “inappropriate” for such a private bill to be brought forward in the Senate.

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At this point, the Senate chairman noted that the House had previously debated the bill when it was first introduced.

Meanwhile, Senator Siddiqui presented the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024, which was approved by a majority vote in the House.

The Senate also passed the Public Order Bill 2024, aimed at regulating peaceful protests in Islamabad, during the PTI’s ongoing protests.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that a designated area for protests would be allocated, with media presence ensured. Senate Chairman Gilani suggested creating a space “similar to London’s Hyde Park for gatherings and rallies.”