ISLAMABAD: The President has promulgated an ordinance providing compulsory military training: to every male citizen of Pakistan who has attained the age of 18 years and is a Matriculate. The ordinance, called Pakistan National Service Ordinance, 1970, was issued to the Press today [Nov 7] by the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs (Law Division). ...

Every person who becomes liable to national service is required to offer himself for national service not later than one month from the date on which he becomes liable. But the ordinance also provides for exemptions…. A person selected for national training will have to serve for a period of one year and may be drafted either into Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy or the Pakistan Air Force. …

Contravention of any provisions of the ordinance will entail imprisonment which may extend to three years or with the fine which may extend to Rs. 15,000 or with both, and any person convicted of an offence under the provisions will render himself ineligible for service of Pakistan or any appointment in any establishment.

Section 16 says that no order made or proceedings taken under this ordinance shall be called in question in any court including a High Court and the Supreme Court.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2020