Protection of Pakistan Ordinance presented in Senate amid protest

ISLAMABAD: The controversial Protection of Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) was presented in the Senate amid strong protests on Friday.

Federal minister Zahid Hamid presented the bill during Friday’s session which was presided over by Deputy Chairperson Sabir Baloch.

On the occasion, major opposition parties including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) protested against the ordinance.



PPP Senator Raza Rabbani labelled the bill as a “black law” adding that it exploits fundamental human rights.

The ordinance was then sent to the standing committee on interior for review.

As per the ordinance, the security institutions will be able to exercise unquestionable powers of arrest and detention for 90 days.

The ruling PML-N is of the view, that PPO has been promulgated to strengthen the legal and practical framework to fight terrorists and criminal elements harming the country.

After promulgation of the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013, terrorists will be treated as enemies of the state.

Meanwhile, major political parties and human rights organisations have criticized the law and called for drastic amendments before its implementation.