THE government was prevented from making a grave mistake on Sunday, as vocal protests from lawmakers from across the political spectrum forced the Senate chairman to drop the Prevention of Violent Extremism Bill, 2023, from the House’s agenda.

However, the danger doesn’t seem to have been averted, as the chairman has suggested he may take up the proposed legislation again tomorrow. It is crucial that it not be put to vote before it has been carefully deliberated by the relevant committee and debated in parliament, as is required by procedure.

As was pointed out by multiple senators, the bill in its present form appears ‘PTI-specific’, in that it seems to be aimed at knocking one party out of the political mainstream. For example, it perturbed some keen observers why “violent extremism” in the bill had been defined to cover individuals who “manipulate people’s beliefs” or “spread conspiracy theories”.

With the government currently seeking to paint the PTI chairman as a deceiver who manipulated public opinion with the ‘cipher conspiracy’, it left little doubt about who the intended target of this law could be. However, with such broad definitions, the draft law is also well equipped to cut down any party which crosses the state’s so-called ‘red lines’ down the road.

Fortunately, in this instance, even the PTI’s rivals have had the foresight to realise that this proposed law is an equal threat to their parties. The Jamaat-i-Islami’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed described it best when he warned that, “Non-elected forces want that democracy is laid to rest through the parliament”, while refusing to consider the bill before it is debated according to procedure.

Just days ago, several important amendments to the Army Act — including those that will give the institution blanket cover as it ventures well outside its traditional domain — were rushed through the Senate in similar circumstances. On Monday, the National Assembly, too, passed the Army Act amendment bill.

While punishments for leaking sensitive information may have justifiably needed to be codified in law, other amendments have far-reaching implications for the civil-military balance of power and ought to have been debated.

Nevertheless, it is encouraging to note that some lawmakers are now saying ‘enough’. The manner in which the PDM parties — especially the PPP and PML-N — have demeaned parliament towards the end of their term will not be forgotten.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2023