Every state instrument and resource will be deployed to defeat and frustrate all or any attempt to create disorder. PHOTO: NNI
ISLAMABAD: The government fine-tuned its anti-terrorism legislation on Sunday by declaring all peace-disrupting elements as ‘enemies of the state’ and making the protection of the life and property of citizens the primary goal of all state functionaries.
Pakistan Protection Ordinance 2013 — promulgated by President Mamnoon Hussain on the advice of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif — strengthens the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 introduced less than two weeks ago.
The new ordinance deems the “security of life, property and dignified living of our people the prime goal for all functionaries of state,” according to a press release issued by the president’s office.
No effort will be spared to eliminate or frustrate ‘any attempt to create disorder’ in society, it said, adding that every possible state instrument and resource would be deployed for the purpose.
“The writ of the state shall be restored with the full might of the law; those pursuing the fruit of terror and fear … shall be treated as enemy aliens and dealt with strictly without any compunction … regardless of nationality, colour, creed or religion,” it stated.
The new piece of legislation guarantees all military and civil armed forces the full protection of law to discharge their mission to restore peace in the country within the parameters of Part V of the Constitution – which deals with the relations between the federation and the provinces.
It added that organised crime syndicates, ‘in all forms and manifestations’, would be dealt with the proportionate use of force under the law.
In all areas where civilian forces are invited to aid civil power, it said, “joint investigation teams shall be constituted to conduct investigations into all heinous crimes”.
From now on, separate police stations and special federal courts will be designated to deal with crime syndicates.
“Separate police stations will be designated for professional and expeditious investigations of specified crime, prosecuted through federal prosecutors. Special federal courts shall be designated to render inexpensive justice with promptitude as mandated by Article 37.”
Trial transfers to be allowed
Under the new ordinance, those involved in organised crime syndicates could also be transferred to another part of the country for trial to ensure transparency and fairness in proceedings. State organs will be allowed to take suspects involved in crime syndicates into preventive custody.
Special jails will also be designated for detaining hardened criminals and the minimum term of the imprisoned has now been set at 10 years.
Action against foreign miscreants
The new ordinance also introduces measures to deal with refugees and foreign residents involved in terrorism, crime and other anti-state activities, according to the release.
“The millions of non-Pakistanis on our soil for any reason including distressful conditions in their parent country, especially those since 1979, shall not be allowed to abuse the temporary liberty to commit depredation,” it said.
“Their local collaborators, handlers, facilitators and landlords providing unreported accommodation and protection shall not be spared,” it added.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2013.
COMMENTS (9)
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Having a law is not the need here, implementation is!!!
how many years (looks like 60 years to me) did it take the govt. to realize that safety of the citizens is one of biggest responsibilty of the govt??? lol
First arrest should be made of that person who wants to open an office for terrorists.
@Usman: I think at least the Sindh government has passed the witness protection law...others should follow their example if they haven't already done so.
Good.let's start with hanging of terrorists and murderers if this new law wants to have any relevance.
This legislation looks good on paper, but with Nawaz & Khaki looking in opposite directions & Khaki, in fact, training the terrorists & encouraging them to attack Pakistani civilians as well as neighbours, it will be an exercise in futility! And Nawaz knows it!
We need a law so that our courts can no longer use 'lack of evidence' as an excuse to acquit terorrists and we need it fast. We also need a witness protection law as soon as possible
Fundamental to citizens' basic rights protection, needed for so long. Great work!
How will we negotiate with the TTP now that the law requires us to take firm action against anyone who disturbs the peace? Will we break our own laws to accommodate terrorists?