Bilal Ahmed 
The Pakistani Criminal Code’s Section 124A, widely known as the sedition statute, has been ruled illegal by the Lahore High Court.
By virtue of this statute, criticizing the government is now illegal. The judgment was reached in response to petitions alleging that the statute infringed upon fundamental liberties protected by the Constitution.
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Pakistan’s seditious code has long been a source of debate. It was a statute that makes it illegal to commit any act that is regarded to be seditious, including speaking out against the government, inciting violence against it, or encouraging insurrection. Section 124A of the Pakistani Penal Code was the name of the country’s sedition statute.
Sedition laws were first imposed in Pakistan during the colonial era by the British in an effort to quell resistance to their rule.
The sedition statute was incorporated into Pakistan’s penal code after it attained independence in 1947, and it has been in effect ever since.
Pakistan had utilized the sedition law to repress dissent and political opposition. Over the years, many politicians, writers, and activists have been accused of sedition for opposing the government or calling for political change.
Concerns about Pakistan’s freedom of speech and expression have arisen as a result of the law’s use as a tool to muzzle dissenting voices.
During the military dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq, the sedition statute in Pakistan was one of the most frequently misused laws. Many journalists and activists were accused of sedition at this time as his regime utilized the law to quash any dissent to his authority.
The sedition statute is still used to suppress dissent and opposition to the government today, even though military control has ended. Not withstanding the abuse of the sedition statute, some claim that it is important to uphold national security and prevent acts of state violence.
Proponents of the law think it was a crucial weapon for preserving the state’s integrity and thwarting acts of violence and terrorism.
The country of Pakistan’s sedition law has a contentious past and is still a topic of dispute today. While some contend that it was essential for national security, others think it was a tactic used to stifle political dissent and resistance.
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Pakistan’s task is to create a balance between freedom of speech and expression and national security.
After repealing the contentious sedition statute, the government should make sure that it won’t be utilized to muzzle dissent and government criticism.
