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NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Pakistan Reintroduces Anti-Terrorism Act: Report
Islamabad: The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, restoring the provision of preventive detention for individuals suspected of terrorism, The Express Tribune reported on Tuesday. The amendment, which was passed on Wednesday, empowers both military and civil armed forces to detain individuals suspected of terrorism for up to three months. According to The Express Tribune, the bill, presented by Pakistani Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, was approved after a clause-by-clause reading, with the House rejecting proposed changes by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F)'s Aliya Kamran and accepting an amendment from Pakistan Peoples Party's Syed Naveed Qamar. As per the amendment, Section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), initially enacted in 2014 in the aftermath of the Peshawar Army Public School attack, had expired in 2016 due to a sunset clause, The Express Tribune reported. The latest amendment reintroduces this provision, allowing authorities to detain individuals based on credible intelligence or reasonable suspicion to preempt terrorist activities. The law also allows for the establishment of Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs), composed of members from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to carry out in-depth investigations and gather operational intelligence. According to the bill's statement of objectives, Pakistan's current security landscape demands stronger legal tools to empower the government, military, and law enforcement agencies in dealing with individuals posing a serious threat to national security, as reported by The Express Tribune. The bill was taken up for voting, with 125 members supporting the motion and 59 opposing it. As per the bill, as stated by The Express Tribune, sub-section (1) of Section 11EEEE allows detention beyond three months, subject to constitutional safeguards under Article 10, which protects against unlawful arrest and detention. A key revision to sub-section (1) of Clause 2 states: "The Government or, where the provisions of section 4 have been invoked, the armed forces or civil armed forces, as the case may be subject to the specific or general order of the Government in this regard, for a period not exceeding three months and after recording reasons thereof, issue order for the preventive detention of any person who has been concerned in any offence under this act relating to the security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, or public order relating to target killing, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion, bhatta, or the maintenance of supplies or services, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists of his having been so concerned, for purpose of inquiry," as quoted by The Express Tribune. Further amendments in sub-section (2) specify that any detention ordered by the armed or civil armed forces must be investigated by a Joint Investigation Team. This team would include a police officer not below the rank of SP, and members from intelligence, military, and other enforcement agencies. Additionally, a new provision (2A) declares that these powers under sub-sections (1) and (2) will remain in effect for three years from the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025. Pakistani Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that this law is meant to be used selectively and includes checks. "A clause is being added to the bill stating that there are solid reasons for arrest. The arrested person will have to be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours, and a clause has also been included to be enforceable for a specific period," he stated, as quoted by The Express Tribune. Reacting to the passage of the amendment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticised the move, calling it a repeat of earlier legislation that infringes on "fundamental human rights".
India.com
5 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan Revives Anti-Terror Law Granting Detention Powers To Forces
The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, restoring the provision of preventive detention for individuals suspected of terrorism, The Express Tribune reported on Tuesday. The amendment, which was passed on Wednesday, empowers both military and civil armed forces to detain individuals suspected of terrorism for up to three months. According to The Express Tribune, the bill, presented by Pakistani Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, was approved after a clause-by-clause reading, with the House rejecting proposed changes by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F)'s Aliya Kamran and accepting an amendment from Pakistan Peoples Party's Syed Naveed Qamar. As per the amendment, Section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), initially enacted in 2014 in the aftermath of the Peshawar Army Public School attack, had expired in 2016 due to a sunset clause, The Express Tribune reported. The latest amendment reintroduces this provision, allowing authorities to detain individuals based on credible intelligence or reasonable suspicion to preempt terrorist activities. The law also allows for the establishment of Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs), composed of members from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to carry out in-depth investigations and gather operational intelligence. According to the bill's statement of objectives, Pakistan's current security landscape demands stronger legal tools to empower the government, military, and law enforcement agencies in dealing with individuals posing a serious threat to national security, as reported by The Express Tribune. The bill was taken up for voting, with 125 members supporting the motion and 59 opposing it. As per the bill, as stated by The Express Tribune, sub-section (1) of Section 11EEEE allows detention beyond three months, subject to constitutional safeguards under Article 10, which protects against unlawful arrest and detention. A key revision to sub-section (1) of Clause 2 states: "The Government or, where the provisions of section 4 have been invoked, the armed forces or civil armed forces, as the case may be subject to the specific or general order of the Government in this regard, for a period not exceeding three months and after recording reasons thereof, issue order for the preventive detention of any person who has been concerned in any offence under this act relating to the security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, or public order relating to target killing, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion, bhatta, or the maintenance of supplies or services, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists of his having been so concerned, for purpose of inquiry," as quoted by The Express Tribune. Further amendments in sub-section (2) specify that any detention ordered by the armed or civil armed forces must be investigated by a Joint Investigation Team. This team would include a police officer not below the rank of SP, and members from intelligence, military, and other enforcement agencies. Additionally, a new provision (2A) declares that these powers under sub-sections (1) and (2) will remain in effect for three years from the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025. Pakistani Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that this law is meant to be used selectively and includes checks. "A clause is being added to the bill stating that there are solid reasons for arrest. The arrested person will have to be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours, and a clause has also been included to be enforceable for a specific period," he stated, as quoted by The Express Tribune. Reacting to the passage of the amendment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticised the move, calling it a repeat of earlier legislation that infringes on "fundamental human rights".
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan reintroduces Anti-Terrorism Act with preventive detention powers for military, civil forces
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, restoring the provision of preventive detention for individuals suspected of terrorism, The Express Tribune reported on amendment, which was passed on Wednesday, empowers both military and civil armed forces to detain individuals suspected of terrorism for up to three to The Express Tribune, the bill, presented by PakistMinister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry, was approved after a clause-by-clause reading, with the House rejecting proposed changes by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F)'s Aliya Kamran and accepting an amendment from Pakistan Peoples Party's Syed Naveed per the amendment, Section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), initially enacted in 2014 in the aftermath of the Peshawar Army Public School attack, had expired in 2016 due to a sunset clause, The Express Tribune latest amendment reintroduces this provision, allowing authorities to detain individuals based on credible intelligence or reasonable suspicion to preempt terrorist law also allows for the establishment of Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs), composed of members from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to carry out in-depth investigations and gather operational to the bill's statement of objectives, Pakistan's current security landscape demands stronger legal tools to empower the government, military, and law enforcement agencies in dealing with individuals posing a serious threat to national security, as reported by The Express bill was taken up for voting, with 125 members supporting the motion and 59 opposing per the bill, as stated by The Express Tribune, sub-section (1) of Section 11EEEE allows detention beyond three months, subject to constitutional safeguards under Article 10, which protects against unlawful arrest and detention.A key revision to sub-section (1) of Clause 2 states: "The Government or, where the provisions of section 4 have been invoked, the armed forces or civil armed forces, as the case may be subject to the specific or general order of the Government in this regard, for a period not exceeding three months and after recording reasons thereof, issue order for the preventive detention of any person who has been concerned in any offence under this act relating to the security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, or public order relating to target killing, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion, bhatta, or the maintenance of supplies or services, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists of his having been so concerned, for purpose of inquiry," as quoted by The Express amendments in sub-section (2) specify that any detention ordered by the armed or civil armed forces must be investigated by a Joint Investigation Team. This team would include a police officer not below the rank of SP, and members from intelligence, military, and other enforcement a new provision (2A) declares that these powers under sub-sections (1) and (2) will remain in effect for three years from the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that this law is meant to be used selectively and includes checks."A clause is being added to the bill stating that there are solid reasons for arrest. The arrested person will have to be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours, and a clause has also been included to be enforceable for a specific period," he stated, as quoted by The Express to the passage of the amendment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticised the move, calling it a repeat of earlier legislation that infringes on "fundamental human rights".
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
ATA rearmed with preventive detention clause
The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, granting military and civil armed forces the authority to place individuals facing terrorism charges under preventive detention for up to three months. The bill was moved by Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry and sailed through clause-by-clause reading with a majority vote, rejecting amendments proposed by JUI-F's Aliya Kamran while incorporating an amendment suggested by PPP's Syed Naveed Qamar. Section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which allows preventive detention for questioning, was first inserted in 2014 after the Army Public School attack in Peshawar but lapsed in 2016 due to a sunset clause. The bill reintroduces these powers, enabling detention on the basis of credible information or reasonable suspicion to disrupt planned terrorist activities. The legislation also provides for the formation of Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs) comprising members of various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to conduct comprehensive inquiries and gather actionable intelligence. According to the statement of objects and reasons, the prevailing security situation "requires a robust response that goes beyond the existing legal framework" to equip the government, armed forces, and civil armed forces with the authority to detain individuals posing a significant threat to national security. Earlier, the House adopted the motion to take up the bill with 125 votes in favour and 59 against. According to a copy of the bill, in sub-section (1), the detention of a person arrested under Section 11EEEE, including detention exceeding three months, would be subject to the provisions of Article 10 (safeguards as to arrest and detention) of the Constitution. The bill outlined an amendment to sub-section (1) of Clause 2 of Section 11EEEE, which reads as follows: "The Government or, where the provisions of section 4 have been invoked, the armed forces or civil armed forces, as the case may be subject to the specific or general order of the Government in this regard, for a period not exceeding three months and after recording reasons thereof, issue order for the preventive detention of any person who has been concerned in any offence under this act relating to the security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, or public order relating to target killing, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion, bhatta, or the maintenance of supplies or services, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists of his having been so concerned, for purpose of inquiry." Meanwhile, in sub-section 2, the following amendments were proposed: "In sub-section (2), for the proviso, the following shall be substituted, namely: provided that where the detention order has been issued by the armed forces or civil armed forces under sub-section (1), the inquiry shall be conducted by the JIT comprising of a police officer not below the rank of superintendent of police, intelligence agencies, civil armed forces, armed forces, and other law enforcing agencies and for sub-section (2A), the following shall be substituted, namely: (2A) The provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2) shall remain in force for a period of three years from the commencement of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025." The bill also incorporated an amendment to sub-section 2 Section 11EEEE (preventive detention for inquiry) of the ATA which would grant the armed forces or civil armed forces the power to arrest a "suspicious person" for three months. The amendment was moved by PPP MNA Naveed Qamar. "In clause 2, in paragraph (a), in section 11EEEE, in proposed sub-section (1), for the expression 'a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists', the expression 'sufficient grounds exist' shall be substituted," the amendment read. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said in the house that this law would only be used in specific situations. "A clause is being added to the bill stating that there are solid reasons for arrest," Tarar stated. "The arrested person will have to be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours [and] a clause has also been included to be enforceable for a specific period." Reacting to the passage of the motion to amend the ATA, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan noted that a similar law was brought previously and branded it a violation of "fundamental human rights". "The Supreme Court said these laws were contrary to fundamental rights," Gohar said. "You cannot touch a single person in the world without a solid reason." PTI senior leader and former NA speaker Asad Qaiser assailed the bill and rejected it in his address. "A new legislation has been passed, where you can be kept in prison for months without permission," he stated. "These laws can be misused and will target political opponents." Qaiser stated that he only wanted peace and commerce in the country, warning that the Constitution was being "destroyed". Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman lamented that Pakistan's anti-terrorism legislation against corruption and mismanagement made every citizen "inherently criminals". "A person is first arrested and then later proven guilty. There is no room for such legislation in the world," he said. "Terrorism has not stopped. I cannot even return to my village now," he added. "A guest in our area was told that extremists are in control outside. Legislation has made no difference, as this parliament has no importance. They create laws based on signals." Two other bills — the National School of Public Policy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025 — were also passed. These were moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz respectively. On the eve of Pakistan's 78th Independence Day, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Moved by Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on behalf of all parliamentary parties, the resolution paid tribute to the struggle and sacrifices of the nation's forefathers under Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, culminating in the creation of an independent state on August 14, 1947. The House recognised the significance of the Markaa-e-Haq, a "glorious victory" of the valiant armed forces of Pakistan in repelling unprovoked Indian aggression, as well as the courage and professionalism of the security apparatus and civil heroes. It also recognised the unity and resilience of the people of Pakistan and paid homage to the martyrs and ghazis. Reaffirming Pakistan's resolve to pursue peace and friendly relations with all neighbours on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and non-interference, the resolution pledged to defend the country's sovereignty against any aggression and called upon all citizens to work collectively for Pakistan's unity, prosperity, and progress.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA adopts ATA amendment allowing 3-month ‘preventive detention' of terror suspects
The National Assembly on Wednesday adopted the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024 with majority votes, rejecting amendments proposed by JUI-F member Aliya Kamran while incorporating an amendment proposed by PPP member Syed Naveed Qamar. Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chaudhry moved the bill further to amend the Anti-terrorism Act, 1997 [The Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024] in the House. The House passed the bill through a clause-by-clause read. Earlier, the House adopted the motion to consider the bill with 125 votes in its favour and 59 against it. Anti-terror bill moved in NA: LEAs, agencies could detain suspects for 3 months The statement of objects and reasons of the bill states that the current security situation requires a robust response that goes beyond the existing legal framework. The erstwhile amendment of Section 11EEEE of the Act ibid, is required to be re-inserted to empower the government, armed forces, and civil armed forces with the necessary authority to detain individuals who pose a significant threat to national security. This provision would allow for the preventative detention of suspects based on credible information or reasonable suspicion, thereby disrupting terrorist plots before they can be executed. This will also provide law enforcement agencies with the legal backing to conduct more effective operations against terrorism. It would facilitate the use of Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs), composed of members from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to conduct comprehensive inquiries and gather actionable intelligence. The National Assembly also passed two more bills, including the National School of Public Policy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as reported by the Standing committees concerned. The bills were moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary and Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz in the House.
