The Senate approves a bill amending the Army Act that calls for up to five years in prison for revealing classified information.

 

The Senate approves a bill amending the Army Act that calls for up to five years in prison for revealing classified information.

A bill to alter the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, which calls for up to five years in prison for anyone who divulges sensitive information relating to the nation's security or the Pakistan Army, was approved by the Senate on Thursday.

According to the proposed amendment to the law, "anyone who discloses or causes to be disclosed any information, acquired in official capacity, which is or may be prejudicial to the security and interest of Pakistan or the armed forces of Pakistan, shall [...] be punished with severe imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years."

However, it will not be considered an "unauthorized disclosure" if someone does so "after seeking prior approval from the chief of army staff (COAS), or any officer duly empowered by him, in the manner prescribed."

Additionally, it describes that a case of this kind will be handled in accordance with the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and Section 59 (civil offenses) of the Army Act.