Official Secrets and Army Act Amendment Bills Enacted into Law

Official Secrets and Army Act Amendment Bills: A Closer Look at Their Enactment into Law

ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi took the step of signing the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 into effect on Saturday.

Following their approval in the National Assembly, both bills underwent presentation in the Senate. These bills faced criticism from treasury members, prompting the Senate chairman to refer them to the standing committee for further deliberation.

Subsequently, certain contentious clauses within the two bills were removed, leading to their reintroduction in the Senate. Upon securing approval, the bills were forwarded to President Alvi for his official endorsement.

Official Secrets Act

Under the provisions of the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, individuals can be deemed to have committed an offense if they deliberately contribute to a disturbance of public order or engage in actions against the state.

Furthermore, individuals who attack or cause damage to restricted areas, with the intention of directly or indirectly aiding the enemy, can also be subject to punishment.

In line with this amendment bill, the accused will face trial in a specialized court, and a verdict will be reached within a span of 30 days from the conclusion of the trial.

Army Act

The Army Act encompasses regulations pertaining to the retirement of military personnel. As per this legislation, military personnel are prohibited from engaging in any form of political activity for a period of two years following retirement, resignation, or dismissal. Additionally, military personnel or officers engaged in duties of a sensitive nature are barred from participating in political activities for a duration of five years following the termination of their service.

A retired army officer found guilty of violating the Army Act can face imprisonment for up to two years. Moreover, any serving or retired army personnel who defames or ridicules the army on digital or social media platforms will face legal repercussions under the Electronic Crimes Act.

As per this statute, both serving and retired officers who engage in actions that defame the army or propagate animosity against it will be liable for a two-year prison sentence along with fines, as stipulated by the Army Act.