RAWALPINDI: The Bill amending provisions of the Security Act of Pakistan to bring them in conformity with fundamental rights was passed by the National Assembly tonight [July 30] after a marathon debate spread over about 10 hours. The amending Bill mainly deals with the provisions pertaining to preventive detention, political parties, suspension and pre-censorship of Press.

The amendments incorporated in the Bill promote definite improvements over the original Act and considerably liberalise the Security laws. The striking feature of the Bill is the provision for the repeal of the preventive laws including Bengal Regulations of 1818. Winding up discussion on the Bill, the Law Minister, Syed Mohammad Zafar, enumerated the improvements incorporated in the amending Bill and explained salient features of the legislation.

He said no patriot should be fearful of the detention laws which are only meant for those who jeopardise the security of the country and are not worthy of being citizens of Pakistan. The Law Minister said that instructions were on [the] way to all Government departments, directing them that while taking action under the Security Act they must see that their orders conform to the provision of the amended law.

He said Security laws were also available in other countries and since 1947 Pakistan had never been without such laws. The Law Minister dealt with the criticism made by Opposition members during various stages of discussion on the Bill and asserted that legislators must differentiate between the framing of law and its application.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2015

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