Senate Committee Approves​ Bill for ​Peaceful Rallies in Islamabad

The Senate ‌Standing ⁢Committee on Internal Affairs has approved a bill allowing for‍ peaceful rallies to be⁤ held in ⁣Islamabad, subject to government permission. The meeting, chaired by Senator⁤ Faisal Saleem Rehman, saw the committee‍ pass ‌the⁢ bill by a majority vote.

The approved bill designates Sanganjani in Islamabad as a potential‍ site ‍for rallies, with the option for the‌ government to grant ⁢permission for alternative ‍locations. This⁤ move aims to ⁢provide⁢ a designated area for protests, ​making them a legitimate and lawful form​ of expression in the capital​ city.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui emphasized the need for a designated protest⁣ area, citing the‌ presence of containers in⁢ Islamabad and the concerns of‍ local residents. He stressed that the bill’s purpose is to establish a lawful framework for protests in Islamabad.

Senator Faisal ⁤Sabzwari noted that ‌the bill’s scope ⁤extends beyond political parties, as religious groups also organize protests. Senator Samina ⁢Mumtaz Zahri‍ clarified⁤ that the bill is not⁤ intended to target any specific political ‌party, while Senator‍ Saifullah Abarone highlighted‍ the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The committee also ‍addressed the recent ‍incident involving Senator‌ Mushtaq Ahmed, seeking a report from ⁢the Ministry of⁣ Interior ⁣on his​ alleged illegal arrest ⁣and the treatment of his family members.

The⁢ approval​ of this bill marks a significant‌ step towards establishing a framework for⁤ peaceful protests in Islamabad, ensuring that citizens⁣ can exercise their constitutional ⁢rights while maintaining public order and⁢ safety.