Islamabad – Following its passage in the National Assembly last week, the Senate has approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, triggering intense protests and a walkout by opposition lawmakers who objected to bypassing committee review.
The bill grants law enforcement and armed forces the authority to detain individuals for up to three months without immediate access to court. Critics say this opens the door to abuse of power, citing concerns over civil liberties.
PTI Senator Ali Zafar strongly opposed the bill, calling it a return to colonial-era laws. He warned that it gives SHOs unchecked authority and detains individuals for months without due process. “Such a controversial bill shouldn’t be passed without debate or committee scrutiny,” he said.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the legislation, stating it aligns with the spirit of the Constitution. He argued that with terrorism still threatening the country, security forces cannot be sent to the battlefield “with hands tied.” He added that the law had withstood judicial scrutiny since its original introduction after the APS Peshawar tragedy.
According to the bill, no person can be detained without credible evidence, and detentions exceeding three months require justifiable cause. A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) will handle cases, and the law will remain in effect for three years. The amendment also updates Section 11-EEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, expanding detention powers for national security, target killings, and ransom-related cases.
Opposition parties have signaled possible legal and political resistance, citing the risk to fundamental rights and lack of democratic oversight in the legislative process.