NA passes bill proposing up to three years jail for involvement in anti-state activities

The National Assembly has on Tuesday passed amendments to the Official Secrets Act Amendment Bill 2023 which suggests a three year jail sentence for involvement in anti-state activities.

Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, presented the bill named “Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023”.

According to the bill, a person who creates a problem of public order or intentionally acts against the policies of the state would be guilty of the offence.

Action will also be taken against the person who will try to gain unauthorised access to documents or information to act against the security interests of the state within or outside the country.

These offences are punishable with three years in jail and a fine of Rs10 lacs or both.

According to the bill, intelligence agencies can enter any place without a search warrant. The investigation officer will be the officer of FIA.

Under the Official Secrets Act, the accused will be tried in a special court, and the special court will give it’s verdict after completing the hearing within 30 days.