Friday May 23, 2025

Amendment Bill to Pakistan Navy Ordinance Presented in Senate

ISLAMABAD: An amendment bill to the Pakistan Navy Ordinance has been presented in the Senate.

According to the amendment, the President of Pakistan will have the authority to expand the Navy and its reserves. The control and command of the Navy will remain with the federal government, while operational management will be delegated to the Chief of Naval Staff.

The bill expands the definition of aircraft to include airplanes, airships, gliders, and other flying machines.It states that any ship in a convoy must follow the orders of the convoy’s commanding officer. The ship’s in-charge must also take precautionary measures to avoid enemy attacks, as instructed by the convoy commander. If the ship’s in-charge fails to follow orders, the commanding officer may enforce the command by force, provided it does not cause any loss of life or property.

The bill also specifies that anyone who is not a citizen of Pakistan, holds dual nationality, or is under 18 years of age, will not be eligible for commission in the Navy. The relevant naval authority may retire or discharge any individual and has the right to accept or reject resignations. In times of war, individuals over 60 years of age may be retained in service upon the recommendation of the Naval Chief.

The bill also introduces penalties for misconduct, including short-term imprisonment for misuse of authority or mistreatment by senior officers. Officers in charge of ships or convoys must follow orders without delay.

According to the bill, officers who fail to defend ships or materials may face the death penalty or long-term imprisonment. Refusal to fight in the event of an attack, cowardice, or abandoning a ship in danger may also lead to similar punishments. Demanding compensation from merchants or shipmasters may also result in death or long imprisonment.

The bill states that any misuse of ships, marines, or naval assets by an officer will be punishable by death or long-term imprisonment. Compensation must also be paid to merchants, owners, and others for any losses caused. Naval personnel involved in extortion or corruption will face lengthy jail terms, as will those who accept bribes, agree to bribery, or cause harm or favoritism.

Disclosing official information could lead to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment, and if the information harms national security or the armed forces, the individual will be tried under the Official Secrets Act. Any Navy personnel may not engage in political activity for two years following retirement, release, resignation, or dismissal; violation of this rule will result in up to two years of rigorous imprisonment.

The amendment further states that if any Navy member joins the Army or Air Force without formal discharge, they may face one year in prison. Anyone posting content against the military on electronic, digital, or social media will be prosecuted under the PECA Act. Attempts to defame, incite hatred, or undermine the armed forces will be punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine.

Trials will now be conducted under the Field General Court Martial instead of the Summary General Court Martial, and time already spent in custody will be considered during sentencing. The Navy may also engage in activities for national development or strategic interests with the consent of federal or provincial governments.

The post Amendment Bill to Pakistan Navy Ordinance Presented in Senate appeared first on Karachi News.

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