Bill to punish those who criticise the army, introduced in Pak

• In major development Pakistan has introduced a bill which would punish citizens for the criticism of Pakistani Army.

• The bill it becomes a law would further weaken the media’s ability to hold the army accountable or question their actions. The army in Pakistan is believed to exercise major control in the running of the state affairs hence this move further strengthen its position.

• The bill was introduced by PM Imran Khans’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). It also proposed for a 2-year jail term and a fine of 500,000 Pakistani rupees.

• Lately, the armed forces have faced increasing scrutiny over alleged interference in civilian governance.