Summary PPA grants excessive authority to the police and the law could be used against political rivals.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Islamabad high Court (IHC) demands an answer from the Federal Minister of interior and Defense in response to Jamshed Dasti’s petition against Protection of Pakistan Act 2014 within two weeks on Tuesday, Dunya News reported.
A single bench comprising of Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi heard the petition of Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), Jamshed Dasti against Protection of Pakistan Act 2014 at IHC. Petitioner’s counsel Saeed Khurshid Ahmad Advocate maintained the stance that PPA is a violation of basic human rights.
The law has granted excessive authority to the police and therefore it is most likely to be used to victimize political opponents. Court suggested that there’s another case of a similar nature pending in the Supreme Court (SC) to which Saeed Khurshid responded that no such case has been filed at the SC.
IHC ordered the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense to submit an answer within two weeks.
Court has also advised the Attorney General, Salman Aslam Butt, to file a clause-wise answer till the hearing resumes after two weeks.
It must be noted here that the Senate unanimously passed "The Protection of Pakistan Bill, 2014" on June 30.
The bill provides for protection against waging of war against Pakistan and the prevention of acts threatening the security of the country.
Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid on behalf of the Interior Minister moved the Bill.
As per the Bill, a special court would be constituted for the speedy proceedings of cases against terrorists where as the decision of the special court could be challenged in the Supreme Court within fifteen days after the ruling.
A joint team would probe into the cases related to terrorism whereas any suspected terrorist can be detained for 90 days for interrogation.
Meanwhile, the proceeding of any case would not contradict the Article 10 of the Constitution whereas the security forces would be allowed to open firing on any suspected terrorist with the permission of a Grade-15 officer.
PTI’s members of the assembly walked out of the house just when the bill was presented. They did not participate in the vote.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) also had ‘serious concerns’ over the content of the bill.
As per the bill, mobile phone records will be rendered as admissible evidence, an arrested person could be held in custody for 60 days and grade-15 or equivalent officers will have the authority to issue shoot-to-kill orders for ‘militants.’
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Muslim-League-Nawaz and its coalition parties had passed the Protection of Pakistan Bill 2014 in the National Assembly despite the protest of the Opposition and walkout from the House.
Earlier, the 106th session of the Senate began in Islamabad with Deputy Chairman Sabir Ali Baloch in the chair.
The Senate also unanimously passed "The Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2013".
Moreover, the Senate was informed that the Prime Minister has sanctioned five billion rupees to beef up security measures at all airports in the country.
Replying to a call attention notice, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad said the Prime Minister has also directed the concerned authorities to procure latest equipment and recruit more security staff to ensure foolproof security of the airports.
Minister of State for Interior Balighur Rehman said the federal government is taking measures to strengthen security at airports and the surrounding areas in coordination with the provincial governments.
The Pakistan Protection Act has been enforced for a period of two years throughout the country.
The bill also requires warning the militants before shooting. It will also allow sentencing a convict to 20 years in prison.
