Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Pir Sabir Shah Monday presented the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2020 before the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

It was proposed in the bill to increase punishment for desecrating the portrait of Quaid-e-Azam and the national flag.

It was proposed that the punishment could be increased under Section 123B of the Pakistan Penal Code after amending the law.

It was also suggested to include Section 123C in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Under Section 123B of the PPC, desecrating the national flag or the portrait of Quaid-e-Azam will be punishable by six months minimum or five years maximum.

It was also proposed to impose Rs50,000 as fine on the convict in addition to the imprisonment. Both punishments, fine and imprisonment, will be applicable depending on the nature of the offence.

The purpose of amending the law is to protect the sanctity of the national flag and the father of the nation.

The Islamabad administration and the home departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Azad Kashmir have supported the proposal of the Ministry of Interior.

Reporter: Tayyab Saif