The Senate passed a bill in Pakistan to amend the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. The proposed changes aim to punish individuals who disclose sensitive information about the country’s security or the Pakistan Army. If someone reveals such information without proper authorization, they could face up to five years in jail.
However, if the disclosure is made after obtaining approval from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) or an authorized officer, it won’t be considered an unauthorized disclosure.
The bill also introduces new sections, including one related to conflict of interest (Section 55-A), one concerning electronic crimes (Section 55-B), and another addressing defamation (Section 55-C).
Section 55-B specifies that anyone committing an offense under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) with the intention to undermine, ridicule, or scandalize the armed forces of Pakistan will be punished as per the Peca law.
According to Section 55-C, a person subject to the Army Act, who ridicules, scandalizes, or attempts to lower the esteem of the armed forces of Pakistan in the eyes of others, could face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine, or both.
