A new law regulating public gatherings and protests in Islamabad has officially come into effect after being signed by President Asif Zardari. Under the law, individuals who organize or participate in public rallies without government permission can face up to three years in prison.
The legislation, titled the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, aims to ensure public safety by controlling gatherings in specific areas of Islamabad, such as the Sangjani locality or other designated zones approved by the government.
The bill grants significant authority to the district magistrate, who can impose restrictions on protests and public gatherings. Furthermore, the magistrate can instruct police officers to disperse illegal gatherings and detain participants. In more severe cases, individuals involved in unauthorized assemblies may face up to 10 years in prison.
This new law is set to be enforced immediately, with the government stressing the importance of maintaining peace and public order while allowing lawful and peaceful protests in approved areas.
The legislation comes as part of broader efforts to regulate public demonstrations in the capital, aiming to prevent unrest while safeguarding citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
