Islamabad – The Senate Standing Committee on the Interior has approved a groundbreaking bill to penalize the propagation of Zionism and the public display of its symbols in Pakistan. The Criminal Law Amendment Bill, presented by Senator Afnanullah of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), prescribes strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for activities deemed as promoting Zionism or fostering societal unrest.
The newly passed legislation introduces a three-year prison sentence and a fine of PKR 40,000 for individuals found guilty of spreading hatred through Zionist propaganda. Additionally, the public display of Zionist symbols, linked to incitement of unrest, will result in a two-year prison term and a fine of PKR 30,000. However, the offence will remain bailable, and arrests cannot be made without a warrant.
The bill, which faced no opposition from the Ministry of Interior, emphasizes that Zionism originated as an ethnic and religious movement that evolved into a political agenda, particularly in the establishment of Israel. The legislation’s objectives highlight concerns over the use of extremist tactics to achieve Zionist goals, asserting that such activities are incompatible with Pakistan’s principles of religious harmony and tolerance as a Muslim-majority state.
Senator Afnanullah, speaking on the matter, underscored the existence of Zionist ideologies within Pakistan and called for stringent measures to curb their influence. He argued that propaganda related to Zionism and its symbols poses a threat to societal peace and must be strictly prohibited.
The approval of this bill marks a significant step in Pakistan's legislative framework, as the country seeks to align its legal codes with its socio-political values. Critics, however, have raised concerns over potential misuse and the implications of such laws on freedom of expression. The implementation and interpretation of the law will likely come under scrutiny in the coming months.
This development is part of a broader wave of amendments to Pakistan’s legal system aimed at addressing societal issues, including hate speech and religious discrimination. The bill is now expected to proceed to the Senate for further deliberation.
