Anti-Terrorism Law amendment bill presented in National Assembly

New amendment permits Pakistan's security forces to hold suspects for up to three months in serious cases

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Pakistan’s National Assembly has introduced a proposed amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act, granting the armed forces and paramilitary units the authority to detain individuals involved in serious crimes for up to three months.

This amendment, put forth by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday, aims to strengthen national security and public order, Express News reported.

Under the amendment, armed forces and paramilitary units may detain suspects linked to offences affecting national security, extortion, targeted killings, and kidnapping. The proposed legislation specifies that any detention beyond three months will require transparent trial rights under Article 10-A of Pakistan's constitution.

A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) would oversee the inquiry into the allegations against suspects.

The JIT would include officials from law enforcement, the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and senior police officers, focusing on rigorous and collaborative investigation.

In September, the federal cabinet approved an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, granting special powers to security forces in Balochistan.

According to Express News, the amendment was approved through circulation following a summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior.

The move aims to enhance the operational capabilities of security forces in the province, providing them with legal protection to conduct effective counter-terrorism operations.

This decision comes in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

On the night of 25th and 26th August, terrorists carried out over a dozen assaults, killing 21 civilians after checking their identity cards. Additionally, several personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) and Pakistan Army were martyred.

The amendment is expected to bolster security efforts in the region and respond more effectively to the increasing threat of terrorism.