Proposed changes in anti-terrorism law worry HRCP

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over some of the changes proposed in the anti-terrorism law.

A statement issued by the commission on Wednesday stated that some of the new provisions were contrary to the due process clause and could cause systematic violations of human rights. The HRCP has called upon the parliament to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent abuse of the proposed provisions by the law enforcement agencies.

The statement said that the bill introduced in the Senate to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 was mostly a reproduction of the 2009 Ordinance on the subject. It added that several new provisions should be a cause of concern for the defenders of rule of law.

“The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan understands the need to strengthen the law to deal with terrorist activities and terrorist groups – particularly the continuation of operation against proscribed groups running under new names. However, we are seriously concerned at the enlargement of powers of police and other law enforcement agencies, particularly in view of their persistent disregard of human rights and their inability to deal with crime in a scientific, non-violent manner,” the statement said.

The statement expressed serious concerns over the detention for 90 days provision. It also criticised the downgrading of the investigation officer. The new provisions have authorised the sub inspectors instead of the inspectors to handle the investigation.

“The HRCP has serious objections to the sweeping powers extended to the police force to tap phone calls and access personal information without any safeguards for privacy and adequate oversight. The Commission calls upon all members of parliament to make every effort to ensure that human rights are not the first casualty in the state’s questionable efforts to curb terrorism. They must also make certain that adequate safeguards are provided so that inefficiency and abuse of authority by police do not lead to denial of rights,” the statement maintained.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2010.