On August 19, 2025, Pakistan’s Senate approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing significant changes to the country’s counterterrorism framework. The legislation was passed despite strong opposition protests and walkouts by various political parties
Key Provisions of the Bill
The amendment empowers law enforcement agencies and the armed forces to detain individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities for up to 90 days without immediate judicial oversight. This measure aims to enhance the government’s ability to prevent and respond to terrorist threats more effectively. Additionally, the bill facilitates the use of Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) comprising personnel from various agencies to conduct comprehensive interrogations and gather intelligence.
Opposition’s Concerns
Opposition parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), have expressed concerns over the potential for misuse of the extended detention powers. They argue that the amendments could infringe upon individual rights and lead to arbitrary detentions. Despite these objections, the Senate rejected proposed amendments and passed the bill with a majority vote.
Government’s Defense
The government asserts that the amendment is necessary to address the evolving security challenges faced by the nation. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that the legislation aligns with constitutional provisions and includes safeguards to protect detainees’ rights, such as the requirement for detainees to be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours.
Implications and Future Outlook
The passage of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025 marks a significant development in Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy. While the government views the amendments as crucial for national security, the opposition’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate over balancing security measures with civil liberties. The implementation of these provisions will be closely monitored to assess their impact on both security and human rights.
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