Azad Kashmir enforce law restricting public gatherings, 7-years Imprisonment for violators

ISLAMABAD (Rizwan Abbasi): President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mehmood, approved the presidential ordinance, which imposes seven years of imprisonment and immediate detention for illegal public gatherings, rallies, and protests.

The development came months after the federal government implemented the Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Bill 2024, banning unauthorized public gatherings in Islamabad. Following the president’s approval, the law introduces penalties for holding gatherings without permission in Islamabad, with violators facing up to three years in prison and fines.

The law came into immediate effect after the AJK President approved the presidential ordinance upon government recommendation.

Under this new law, only registered parties, organizations, and unions are permitted to protest, with prior approval from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) being mandatory. Unregistered groups or unions are prohibited from holding any public gathering or protest.

According to a government spokesperson, the ordinance aims to protect public rights and maintain law and order.

After the new legislation, the DCs have been granted the power to impose penalties, including up to 3 years in prison and 3 to 10 days of detention. Those wishing to protest must submit for non-objection certificate (NOC) seven days prior, including identification, contact number, location, time, and participant details.

The new law also grants the Deputy Commissioners the authority to declare any area a “Red Zone” or “High-Security Zone,” where public gatherings and protests will be strictly prohibited. Gatherings likely to damage public property or disrupt daily life are banned under the newly enacted presidential ordinance in Azad Kashmir.

Peaceful protests are mandated, with strict prohibitions on weapons, sticks, or inflammatory speeches. As per the law, any gathering can be immediately dispersed for the protection of national security or public rights.

In case of violations concerning designated locations or times, the district administration is authorized to disperse gatherings and make arrests. Organizers may appeal against permissions or other orders to the Commissioner and further appeal to the Home Secretary against the Commissioner’s decision. The appellate authority must render a decision within 15 days.