Punjab Province to Extend Public Gathering Ban from 2 to 90 Days Amid Concerns

Pakistan's Punjab Province has proposed an amendment to extend the ban on public gatherings from 2 to 90 days. The bill, tabled by Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, aims to address emergent situations but raises concerns about increased centralization and impacts on political freedoms.

Pakistan's Punjab Province has tabled an Amendment Bill in its Provincial Assembly seeking to extend the ban on public gatherings, rallies, and protests from two days to 90 days, according to Geo News. The bill aims to increase the powers of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to impose such bans for up to 30 days, while the Secretary of the Home Department could extend it to 90 days.

The amendment, known as the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Act 2024, was put forward by Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman. The existing law allows the provincial government to impose Section 144 for a maximum of two days, extendable to seven days in case of threats to human life, health, or safety, based on a written recommendation from the police.

The proposed changes would centralize power by granting greater authority to the deputy commissioner and the Secretary of the Home Department, effectively bypassing the checks and balances previously in place. Section 144 has been criticized as an instrument for suppressing political opposition, as evidenced by its frequent imposition on former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf.

The bill's proponent, Minister Mujtaba, defended the extension, arguing that seeking prior approval for such bans is impractical. He claims that the amendment is necessary to address urgent situations that threaten public peace and order. However, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has called Section 144 an 'unchecked authority' in a 2022 report. The Amendment Bill has been sent to a Punjab Assembly committee for further scrutiny. Critics argue that extending the ban duration would further diminish democratic avenues for public expression.

(With inputs from agencies.)