What Are The Amendments To The Pakistan Army Act?

Relevance: GS 2 - India and its neighbourhood- relations.

(Source: The Hindu, 08/24/23)

Click here for Daily Current Affairs

Why in the news?

Recently, Pakistan's Senate passed amendments to the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, broadening its reach to include civilians associated with Army-affiliated entities like Fauji Foundation and Army Welfare Trust. This move signals an extension of the Act's jurisdiction beyond military personnel.

What are the new amendments?

• The amendments introduce new sections to the Act, including 26A, which penalizes unauthorized disclosure of information harmful to Pakistan's security. Section 26B prohibits individuals subjected to the Act from participating in political activities for two years post-service.
• Sections 55A and 55B prohibit engagement with conflicting interests and penalize those undermining the Armed Forces.

Why now?

• The inclusion of Section 26A is linked to an incident where leaked information led to attacks on army installations by supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The amendments may also be aimed at curbing the influence of former ISI DG Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Faiz Hameed, a key supporter of PTI's Imran Khan.

What are the implications?

• The changes proposed in the Bill are not just about strengthening the power of the Army but also formalizing Army’s intervention in the functioning of the country
• The amendments in the Army Act clearly aim to silence criticism of the Pakistan Army, especially from retired personnel, among whom Mr. Khan holds excellent support.
• Human rights advocates have expressed concerns as these amendments would jeopardize the rights and liberties of individuals as well as impose restrictions on the dissemination of information.
• Implementation of such draconian laws bestows authorities with unchecked power to target anybody.

Impact on India

• Regional Diplomacy: The shift in Pakistan's internal dynamics could influence its foreign policy decisions, including its engagement with other countries in the region.
• The amendments could affect Pakistan's relationships with other democratic nations, including India.
• Migration: The amendments widen the ambit of the state to prosecute people for acts against the state and the military, which might trigger instability and promote migration to neighboring countries like India.

(*Click this link to read prelims specific weekly current affairs articles)

FAQs

MCQ

Question: The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to:

(a)Solve the problems of minorities in India

(b) Give effect to Independence Bill

(c) Delimit boundaries between India and Pakistan

(d) Enquire into riots in East Bengal