Peaceful assembly law to facilitate political activities: Senator Irfan Siddiqui

ISLAMABAD, Sep 05 (SABAH): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Thursday stated that the legislation pertaining to political activities in the capital is aimed at regulating and facilitating political activities.

Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 has been approved by the Senate and Irfan Siddiqui said that “it does not in any way obstruct peaceful political activities.” “Instead, this law encourages peaceful political activities and provides the necessary facilities for them,” he said.

Speaking to journalists outside the Parliament House, Irfan Siddiqui said that the Constitution does not recognize unregulated assembly.

He said Article 16 is quite clear on this matter and added that the freedom of assembly does not mean that the lives of Islamabad’s 2.5 million residents should be made miserable.

He further mentioned that this law will apply to all types of assemblies and procession. He pointed out that embassies from around the world are in the capital city, but any group can make the entire city hostage.

He said the provinces have laws to deal with such activities, but Islamabad did not have any such regulations.

Irfan Siddiqui also mentioned that the People’s Party, MQM, ANP, Balochistan Awami Party, and several independent members have supported this law.