President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday gave his assent to the Peaceful Protest and Public Order Act 2024, significantly altering the regulations for rallies and processions in Islamabad.

With the signing of this bill, which had earlier been passed by the National Assembly, the framework governing public assemblies has undergone a notable shift.

The new legislation specifies designated areas within the capital for public gatherings. According to the Act, rallies and meetings without prior permission will be considered illegal, with strict penalties in place for violations.

Individuals holding unauthorized gatherings in Islamabad now face up to three years of imprisonment for a first offense, while repeat offenders could be jailed for as long as 10 years.

As per the new rules, the government will allocate specific locations for political gatherings. Sangjani and other designated areas will be listed in a gazette notification for public rallies.

A political party wishing to hold a rally must seek approval from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad, and applications must be submitted at least seven days in advance.

In case the DC denies permission, the decision can be appealed to the Chief Commissioner. If the appeal is unsuccessful, a review application may be submitted to the Home Secretary.

Responsibilities of authorities

The District Magistrate, who holds the authority to impose a ban on any gathering, will assess the security situation before granting permission. Security clearance from relevant agencies will also be required before final approval is given.

Furthermore, no assembly will be permitted outside of the areas designated by the government.

Stricter penalties

The Act introduces tougher measures to ensure public safety and order during political gatherings. Organizers who fail to obtain the necessary permissions will be held accountable under these new provisions.

This development follows mounting concerns regarding the security risks posed by large, unauthorized gatherings in the capital, with officials stressing the need for tighter controls to maintain public order.

Under the new law, political parties are required to provide detailed information regarding the venue, number of participants, timing, and objectives of the meeting when applying for a permit. Authorities believe that these measures will help streamline public assemblies and ensure peace in the capital.