The Pakistan Panel Code’s (PPC) Section 124-A, which is also referred to as the Sedition Law, finds its origin in the British colonial era. It was imposed by the British in the colonial era when they wanted to control people’s strikes and movements when the public opted for a stance against British rule.
Anyone who incites hatred, contempt, or attempts to incite disaffection toward the Federal or Provincial Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life with the possibility of an additional fine, with imprisonment that may extend to three years with the possibility of an additional fine, or with a fine, according to the definition of sedition law.
James Stephen introduced the Sedition law to control the rebellious protest against the colonial administration. It was a draconian law and frequently used by political parties, movements and other protesting activities. They did not allow criticism of the administration and kingdom.
Additionally, democracy allows freedom of speech and it is also protected by the constitution in democratic countries. Freedom of speech is the blood of democracy and politics. Everyone has a right to speak regarding government and civil servants according to the constitution of Pakistan 1973. It is protected by article 19 of the constitution of Pakistan 1973.
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Pakistani courts have expressed that it is a violation of the fundamental rights of people in Pakistan and it should be abolished by the Parliament. Lahore high court claimed that it violates the rights of the people and the constitution of Pakistan article 19 and 10-A, which provides the right to a fair trial. The Sedition law should be repealed.
International law allows freedom of speech, even if it is harsh criticism of public servants and the government. It provides safety regarding joining political parties, associations and organizations.
Raza Rabbani moved an amendment bill of 124-A in the Senate to rewrite it. The bill was referred to the house committee for more consultation. He claimed that it should be eroded because it was colonial law. It will not be applicable to an independent country.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, former Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan opposed the amendment bill and he pointed out that no one country allowed complete freedom of speech and it should not be annulled in Pakistan. Some international forces waited for that opportunity to wage fifth-generation war against Pakistan, he added.
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The parliament of Britain repealed the Sedition law in 2009, which restricted the rights of people. Sedition law was applied in the kingdom. In a democratic country, it could not be implemented.
In Pakistan, it is applied to political parties, movements, associations, and student unions. The use of Sedition law is illegal and unjust in democratic countries. The frequent use of 124-A disallows criticism of the government and its institutions.
The opposition has a constitutional right to criticize public policies and institutions that are not working up to the mark. They have to point out that public officials do not fulfill the requirements of the constitution, which is the responsibility of the civil servant in Pakistan.
A public representative can have the right to criticize government officeholders, and public officers are answerable in front of the people. People are the executive of the country, and they elect representatives to rule the country democratically.
