The National Assembly on Tuesday, approved a crucial bill aimed at modifying the Official Secrets Act Amendment Bill 2023.
The amendment proposes to enforce a jail sentence of up to three years for those engaging in activities detrimental to the state. Murtaza Javed Abbasi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, tabled the bill, citing the need to ensure the safety and security of official documents in light of societal changes.
The bill, officially named “Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023,” proposes several modifications, including the addition of Section 6A. Under this provision, anyone intentionally endangering public order or the interests of Pakistan by exposing members of intelligence agencies, their informants, or their sources, will be committing an offense. This crime can lead to a prison term of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs1 million, or both.
The amendment to Section 3 identifies various activities, like unauthorized access to classified documents, creating plans useful to an enemy, and disclosing information about the country’s defense capabilities, as offenses.
New Provisions and Other Amendments
The proposed bill also seeks to introduce a new clause, 8A. This provision applies to anyone working, whether intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly, for a foreign power or organization deemed harmful to the safety and interest of Pakistan.
Section 9 will undergo a substitution, indicating that anyone inciting, conspiring, aiding, or abetting the commission of an offense will be subjected to the same penalties as the actual perpetrator.
Furthermore, the bill introduces Section 12A, empowering the Director General of the Federal Investigating Agency to appoint investigating officers not below the rank of BPS-17. The Director General may also assemble a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to include officers from intelligence agencies and other federal or provincial institutions or departments as required. The JIT must complete the investigation within 30 working days.
The proposed legislation also aims to include Section 12-B, which permits the admission of any material collected during an inquiry or investigation as evidence.
Other Bills Passed
In addition to the Official Secrets Act Amendment Bill, the assembly also passed the Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Bill, 2023 and the Pakistan Airports Authority Bill, 2023.
The Toshakhana Management and Regulation Bill mandates that all future gifts received be disposed of via an open auction, with the proceeds used to advance female primary education in the country’s most underprivileged areas.
Additionally, three private members’ bills were passed, including the Promotion and Protection of Gandhara Culture Authority Bill, 2023; the Margalla International University Bill, 2023, and the Thar International Institute Bill, 2023.
