April 18, 2021
A proposed bill criminalising “criticism” and “ridicule” of the Armed Forces has raised fears that it would further shrink the space for free speech and expression
“No one can ridicule the national ‘institutions’ any longer” Amjad Ali Khan, a member of National Assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) wrote on his Twitter timeline on September 15, after tabling a private bill in the National Assembly suggesting a prison sentence and fine for those who “ridicule” the armed forces of Pakistan.
The purpose of the “The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2020” is “to prevent hatred and disrespectful behaviour against the Armed Forces. Strict action should be taken against those bringing disrepute to the Armed Forces institution in accordance with the law”.