Activists Criticize Double Standards in ICT’s Peaceful Assembly Legislation
News Desk
Islamabad: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly criticized the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, describing it as a draconian measure that undermines fundamental rights.
At an advocacy meeting on Thursday, HRCP Secretary-General Harris Khalique condemned the law for violating Articles 8 and 16 of the Constitution, as well as Pakistan’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Legal expert Asfand Yar Warraich, commissioned by the HRCP to assess the legislation, highlighted its chilling impact on freedom of peaceful assembly.
He noted that the law restricts protests to designated areas far from their target audiences, prohibits spontaneous assemblies through a burdensome permission process, and enforces severe penalties for participants of “unlawful” assemblies.
Warraich also criticized the law for failing to provide clear guidelines on the use of force to disperse protests, leaving it open to misuse.
Journalist Hamid Mir pointed out that the law has been disproportionately weaponized against Baloch rights activists, despite judicial interventions. Islamabad Police AIG Tahir Kazim defended the law as imposing “reasonable restrictions” but acknowledged that it should not be exploited for political gains.
National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) representative Imtiaz Ali warned that the law’s enforcement is largely aimed at stifling political opposition, with serious repercussions for citizens’ rights to protest.
Digital journalist Asad Ali Toor stressed the detrimental effects on marginalized groups, while senior journalist Matiullah Jan urged political parties to oppose laws that erode fundamental freedoms.
Civil society participants accused the state of applying double standards, allowing violent far-right groups to operate freely while suppressing peaceful assemblies advocating for constitutional rights.
HRCP Council member Farhatullah Babar concluded the session by underscoring the urgent need to balance public order with the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
He criticized the law’s hasty passage without adequate parliamentary debate, warning that denying citizens the ability to peacefully voice concerns risks undermining democratic governance.
