ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): : The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) fully supports the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Law 2024,” which aims to regulate public gatherings in the federal capital territory by controlling their timing, location, and purpose to maintain public order. President Asif Ali Zardari recently signed the “Peaceful Protest and Public Order Bill 2024” into law, significantly altering the regulations for rallies and processions in Islamabad.
The law, proposed by Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), grants Islamabad city officials the authority to assess the prevailing law and order situation before granting permission for public gatherings. It also allows the government to designate areas within Islamabad as “red zones” or “high-security zones,” banning all assemblies in those regions.
ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Vice Presidents Faad Waheed and Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar, welcomed the legislation, stating that frequent public gatherings and protests have become a nuisance for residents and the business community. They cited examples of designated protest areas in a number of other countries also.
The ICCI leaders emphasized that Pakistan is facing a critical stage, with shrinking businesses, rising unemployment, irrational taxation, and unbearable power tariffs. They noted that protests and gatherings have exacerbated the situation, making life difficult for everyone. With Pakistan hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s summit next month, diplomats have expressed concerns about frequent road closures due to protests, questioning the government’s ability to secure its capital.
The ICCI leaders termed the legislation a “breath of fresh air” for Islamabad’s business community, hoping it will stimulate and regulate business activities in the city.
The ICCI leadership warmly thanked Senator Irfan Siddiqui for his pioneering effort in promoting a peaceful and business-friendly environment through the introduction of the Peaceful Assembly Law, which will greatly benefit both citizens and the business fraternity.
