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Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024

Status

Passed

Passage Date

9/6/2024

Summary

Summary of The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024

Objective:

The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024, aims to regulate public assemblies within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to maintain public peace and order, ensuring the fundamental rights of citizens to assemble peacefully are balanced with the rights of others and the smooth functioning of public services.

Key Provisions:

  1. Scope and Application: The Act applies exclusively to the ICT and takes effect immediately upon commencement. It defines an "assembly" as a gathering of more than fifteen people in public spaces.

  2. Permission Requirement: Event coordinators must apply for permission to hold an assembly at least seven days before the intended date. The application must detail the event's purpose, timing, location, anticipated attendance, and, if applicable, procession routes.

  3. Granting of Permission: The District Magistrate evaluates the application based on security reports and the current law and order situation. Assemblies are only permitted in designated areas, and the Magistrate may require a surety bond for peace and security.

  4. Restrictions and Bans: The District Magistrate has the authority to ban assemblies that pose security risks, could incite violence, disrupt community life, or overlap with other events causing additional security concerns. Specific areas can be designated as Red Zones or High Security Zones, prohibiting all assemblies.

  5. Appeals Process: Aggrieved parties can appeal decisions to the Chief Commissioner and further to the Secretary Ministry of Interior. Decisions on appeals must be made within specified time frames, with provisions for deemed approval if deadlines are not met.

  6. Dispersal Orders: Police, under orders from the District Magistrate, can command assemblies to disperse if they threaten public peace. Failure to disperse can lead to the use of force, arrest, and detention by police.

  7. Punishments: Membership in an unlawful assembly can result in imprisonment, fines, or both, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

  8. Jurisdiction and Enforcement: First-class magistrates are empowered to try offences under this Act.

  9. Rule-making Authority: The government is authorized to make rules to implement the Act.

Potential Impact:

The Act seeks to balance the constitutional right to peaceful assembly with the need to maintain public order and safety. By requiring prior permission for assemblies and empowering authorities to impose restrictions, it aims to minimize disruptions to daily life and prevent violence. However