President signs Official Secrets Act, Army Act amendment bills

Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi signed the Official Secrets Act and Army Act Amendment Bills.

The Official Secrets Act and the Army Act Amendment Bills have been passed by the National Assembly and the Senate. After the President's signature, both bills have become law.

It is pertinent to note that along with opposition, government members also protested against the bill, on which the chairman senate handed over the bill to the standing committee due to the protest of members.

Later, some controversial provisions from Official Secrets Amendment Bill and Army Act were removed in the Senate which was first approved by the National Assembly. then Senate and sent to the President of Pakistan for his signature.

Official Secrets Act

According to the Official Secrets Amendment Bill, a person who intentionally creates a problem of public order, acts against the state, invades or damages a prohibited place with the aim of benefiting the enemy directly or indirectly, will commit a crime.

Under the Official Secrets Act, the accused will be tried in a special court and the special court will decide after completing the hearing within 30 days.

Army Act

According to the Army Act, no military personnel shall participate in political activity for two years after retirement, resignation or dismissal, while military personnel or officers posted on sensitive duty shall not participate in political activity for five years after termination of service.

The offending officer will be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to two years, while the serving or retired army officer shall not make any speech on digital, electronic or social media which is intended to scandalize the army, the act stated. The perpetrator will be prosecuted under the Army Act and punishment will be under the Electronic Crimes Act.

Under the Army Act, any serving or retired officer who defames the Army or spreads hatred against it shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of up to two years and fine under the Army Act.

He who discloses information obtained in official capacity which is related to the security and interest of Pakistan and its armed forces shall be punished with imprisonment for a term up to five years with rigorous imprisonment. However, there will be no punishment for providing unauthorized information after approval by the Army Chief or an authorized officer, the act told.