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LAHORE, Dec 15 (APP): A new law regulating protests and public gatherings has been drafted in Punjab, proposing the establishment of high-security zones across the province.
Under the proposed legislation, rallies, processions, and all forms of protests will be completely banned in designated high-security zones, with strict penalties for violations. The draft law states that organizing or participating in gatherings without permission in high-security zones will be punishable by one to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs500,000.
Prior permission from the deputy commissioner will be mandatory for any type of public gathering in designated areas. Failure to obtain permission could result in a fine of up to Rs100,000.
The draft further proposes that unauthorized gatherings in non-designated areas will also be punishable by six months to one year in prison and a fine of up to Rs300,000. In cases where government or private property is damaged during a gathering, an additional fine equal to the value of the damage will be imposed.
The proposed law also seeks to declare offences related to public gatherings as non-bailable and grants police the authority to seize equipment used in violation of the law.
According to the draft, the government maintains that the objective of the legislation is to improve law and order and address security concerns in sensitive areas. However, the proposed law is expected to draw reactions from various quarters.