Latest news with #Anti-Terrorism
Hans India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Pakistan: Rights group accuses authorities of conducting surveillance, harassing Baloch protesters in Islamabad
The Baloch families sit-in in Islamabad demanding the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and an end to enforced disappearances in Pakistan's Balochistan continued for the 26th consecutive day on Sunday even as the BYC accused the Pakistani authorities of maintaining road blocks, conducting surveillance and harassing protesters instead of addressing their legitimate demands. According to the BYC, Baloch protesters, including elderly women and young children, continued to stay on the roadside without shelter amid scorching heat as authorities did not allow them to set up a camp. The protesters held the banner with the message "Stop Collective Punishment" and "Release BYC leaders." The banners also featured pictures of BYC leaders, including Mahrang Baloch. In a statement shared on X, BYC stated: "Today marks the 26th consecutive day of the Baloch families' sit-in in Islamabad, held to demand the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Amidst scorching heat, these families including elderly women and young children remain on the roadside without shelter, as authorities continue to deny them the right to set up a camp." "The road to the Islamabad Press Club remains sealed, cutting them off from the space traditionally meant for victims to raise their voices. Instead of addressing their legitimate demands, Pakistani authorities maintain road blockades, conduct surveillance, and harass participants," it added. On August 8, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed grave concern over the escalating human rights crisis and deteriorating state of fundamental rights and civic freedoms in Balochistan. A report of the fact-finding mission of HRCP titled 'Balochistan's Crisis of Trust' revealed a disturbing pattern of continued enforced disappearances, shrinking civic space, erosion of provincial autonomy, and unchecked impunity - conditions that continue to fuel public alienation and political instability in the province. "Enforced disappearances emerged as the most urgent and widespread human rights concern during the mission. Testimonies from political leaders, civil society actors, and law enforcement officials collectively point to the scale, impunity, and evolving character of this practice. Accounts suggest that the phenomenon, far from being isolated or exceptional, has become systematic, thereby undermining the rule of law and severely eroding public trust in state institutions," the HRCP report read. The rights body also called for independent investigations into alleged reprisals against those who speak up against enforced disappearances. The mission noted that "while militant attacks targeting ordinary citizens, including non-Baloch settlers, are indefensible and must be prosecuted, the passage of the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025 is deeply problematic". It mentioned that "the law permits 90-day detentions without meaningful judicial oversight, raising concerns about the potential for torture and abuse". The mission urged the Pakistani government to withdraw the Act and instead ensure that all counterterrorism efforts comply with the country's human rights obligations. According to the report, electoral manipulation and the political sidelining of nationalist parties have severely undermined public trust in democratic processes in Balochistan.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Sindh PA passes bill to raise members' salaries
KARACHI: In a rare moment of unanimous consensus, Sindh Assembly lawmakers on Friday passed a bill to significantly raise their own salaries and entitlements, sparking eyebrows over the timing and priorities of the House. The legislature also voted on two other key bills in its proceedings. The three bills passed during the session included the Sindh Lawmakers' Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill, the Sindh Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Anti-Terrorism (Sindh Amendment) Bill 2025. All three bills were tabled by Sindh Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, during a session chaired by Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah. The most talked-about among them was undoubtedly the bill granting lawmakers enhanced financial privileges. Introduced and approved clause by clause, the bill received unanimous backing from both treasury and opposition benches, passing without objection. The Sindh Cabinet had earlier green lit the draft during its meeting on August 7. With the Assembly's stamp now secured, lawmakers from both government and opposition will enjoy a slew of new benefits. These included hospitality allowance, house rent, utility allowance, daily allowance, conveyance and accommodation allowance, travel and mileage allowance, free travel facility, telephone privileges, medical treatment coverage, office maintenance allowance, and any future perks recommended by a parliamentary committee. The newly passed legislation also upgrades the status of the Leader of the Opposition, who will now receive a salary and perks equal to those of a provincial minister. Additionally, chairpersons of various parliamentary committees will now be eligible for numerous allowances. However, they will be entitled to only one official vehicle during their tenure—though fuel and maintenance costs will be covered. Upon vacating the position, they must return the vehicle within three days. Separately, the Assembly also passed—by majority vote — the Sindh Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill 2025. Explaining its purpose, Lanjar said the amendment aims to update the original 1972 ordinance, which previously tied the chairman's post to officers in grades 20 or 21. Under the new law, officers from both grades can now be appointed, supposedly to improve the functioning of educational boards by attracting competent officers. MQM's legislator, Sabir Kaim khani welcomed efforts to improve the boards' performance but criticized the government for sidelining the opposition's input during committee deliberations. He called for the bill to be sent back for further debate—an idea rejected by the minister. The Speaker proceeded with a voice vote, and the bill was passed by majority. Also approved during the session was the Anti-Terrorism (Sindh Amendment) Bill 2025. Meanwhile, Speaker Awais Qadir Shah announced that a special Assembly session will be held at the Old Assembly Building on Monday, August 11, to observe Minority Day. Members of religious minority communities will be invited to attend and speak. A privilege motion moved by MQM's Aamir Siddiqui regarding gas supply issues in his constituency was dismissed on technical grounds. During the session, the Assembly also held a question hour pertaining to the Auqaf Department with Parliamentary Secretary, Shazia Umar responding to both written and supplementary queries raised by members. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Diplomat
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
Pakistan's New Detention Law Presumes Baloch Citizens Guilty of Terrorism Until Proven Innocent
An amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act will allow security forces in the restive region the powers to detain any person for up to three months without charging them. Last month, the assembly of Pakistan's Balochistan province passed the controversial Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act, 2025, giving security forces in the restive region the powers to detain any person for up to three months without charging them. The amendment also provides for the establishment of detention centers and allows the handover of detainees to any law enforcement agency for investigation. This law is being widely seen as another measure to suppress dissent and tantamount to legalizing enforced disappearances in Balochistan — a region where this practice is already rampant. According to the new section inserted into the 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act, the armed forces, civil armed forces, and intelligence agencies can detain any person on mere suspicion or allegation of involvement in any offence scheduled under the act. During the course of the inquiry, the officer in charge will have all powers relating to search, arrest, and seizure of property and other materials relevant to the alleged offence. The oversight boards proposed in the act would also assess the 'ideological disposition' and 'psychological condition' of each detainee and recommend transfer to a detention center when 'necessary.' Authorities would exercise these powers based on their presumption and discretion, without judicial oversight. The new law will be valid for six years, extendable for a further period of two years through a notification by the provincial government. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and least populated province; it is resource-rich, yet remains the country's most impoverished region. It has long remained a hotbed of political unrest, armed conflict, and human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The conflict between the Baloch nationalists demanding self-rule and the Pakistani regimes striving for exclusive control over the region has continued since the inception of Pakistan, with the fifth and longest insurgency ongoing for about two decades now. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed its concern on the adoption of the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act, 2025, terming the grant of 'sweeping powers of preventive detention' as 'an unacceptable measure that undermines the fundamental rights to liberty, due process and protection from arbitrary arrest.' The Balochistan Bar Council has rejected the amendment in the Anti-Terrorism Act, declaring it contrary to the constitution of Pakistan and in violation of human rights. The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, an organization representing the families of the victims of enforced disappearances, has rejected the new law, alleging that it protects extra-constitutional and illegal actions. Earlier, in September 2024, the central government was planning to give special powers to its security forces in Balochistan, including the power of preventive detention and the establishment of internment centers for this purpose. In this regard, on November 1, the government introduced an amendment bill to the country's 1997 Anti-Terrorism Act to empower the security forces to detain anyone suspected of posing a 'significant threat to national security' for up to three months. The deputy speaker of the National Assembly (the lower house of Pakistan's parliament) referred the bill to the Standing Committee on Interior for consideration. The bill drew sharp criticism from civil society for the potential violation of fundamental rights and misuse against political rivals. The HRCP had opposed the proposed legislation to grant the authority of preventive detention to the security forces, calling it similar to 'legalizing the use of enforced disappearances and internment centers.' Amnesty International had also expressed grave concerns about the proposed amendment, urging the concerned ministry and standing committees to 'halt plans to pass the Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment Bill 2024 as it does not comply with international human rights law and standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).' Similarly, United Nations human rights experts also urged the government of Pakistan to reconsider the proposed amendments, warning of the risk of 'arbitrary deprivation of liberty.' They also expressed concern about the establishment of detention centers in Balochistan, stating that the 'proposed new internment centers for terrorism suspects in Balochistan could also lead to gross human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and torture.' While the proposed legislation remains pending in the National Assembly, the Balochistan government, which many observers describe as a proxy of Pakistan's powerful military establishment, introduced the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act, 2025, in the provincial assembly of Balochistan on May 26, 2025, which was then referred to the Standing Committee on Home. Subsequently, the provincial assembly swiftly approved the bill on June 4, 2025, in less than 30 minutes. It is likely that to avert criticism on the matter, Islamabad tasked its puppet administration in Balochistan to pass the proposed legislation in the provincial assembly, yet again confirming its rubber-stamp status. The chief minister of Balochistan declared the amendment a milestone that would end the issue of missing persons once and for all. However, he did not elaborate on how it would address the issue, since he claims that security forces and intelligence agencies are not involved in forced disappearances and declares the issue a 'propaganda tool' against the state of Pakistan. If the security forces are not carrying out enforced disappearances, then how would their empowerment to carry out preventive detention and the establishment of internment centers resolve the problem? The security situation and human rights conditions in Balochistan continue to deteriorate. There has been a surge in militant activities during the last few years. The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) reported an 84 percent increase in militant attacks in Balochistan in 2024 compared with 2023. On the other hand, the state's response to the insurgency encompasses widespread human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. According to the Human Rights Council of Balochistan, there were 603 reported cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan in 2024. Moreover, Islamabad also uses force to suppress the voices that advocate for the rights of the Baloch people. It systematically marginalizes such groups to prevent them from entering the political mainstream. The center installs puppet governments in Balochistan through a combination of electoral manipulation and political engineering, making the security establishment the key power broker. Over the decades, Islamabad has introduced a comprehensive framework of extractive institutions in Balochistan that ensures maximum economic benefits for the center while keeping the province impoverished and dependent. As a result, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial killings have become instruments of national policy to counter the insurgency, curb political dissent and perpetuate economic exploitation of this resource-rich region. According to a Pakistani journalist, a senior government official confessed in front of her that 'they [the government] do not have any writ in the province [Balochistan] and there is no other tool except 'missing persons' [enforced disappearances] to handle this situation.' The space for political dissent, rights activism, and peaceful protest is shrinking rapidly in Balochistan. The government has already put the names of hundreds of people from all walks of life into the Fourth Schedule (proscribed persons). Authorities have arbitrarily detained several leading human rights defenders and political activists. The move to empower the security forces with powers of preventive detention reveals the government's intention to intensify and provide legal cover for the crackdown on dissidents and rights activists in Balochistan.
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Counsel for PTI challenges IHC verdict of 24.03.2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Mashal Azam on Thursday challenged the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judgement dated 24.03.2025 before the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court. She sought directions to allow her to attend the proceedings of jail trial of PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. She contended that the judgment of the IHC is against the law and facts available on file. The IHC judgment is a result of misreading and non-reading of the facts and available record. The High Court has passed the judgment in a cursory manner without going into the details of the matter. Mashal Azam stated that the High Court has failed to consider the law laid down by the Supreme Court and passed the impugned judgment without applying judicial mind and without showing sufficient cause. The IHC while deciding the Crl. Org. Petition, has not considered this fact that as it is provided by Article 204 of Constitution. She argued that the purpose of proceeding for contempt of court is not the protection of a judge, but in fact, it is for the protection of public at large, whose rights and interests would obviously be effected, if by any act or omission of any party, the authority of a judge is lowered and the confidence of the people in the administration of justice is diminished. The petitioner engaged as a legal counsel by her clients, Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi and Bushra Bibi, in their previous and ongoing cases related to Toshakhana conducted by Accountability Court as well as cases registered at Police Station R.A. Bazar, Rawalpindi related to 9th May 2023 incidents and the trials of these accused persons are being regularly conducted in the Camp Court situated at Adiala Jail. As part of her professional obligations, she has been attending these court proceedings regularly. That on 18.01.2025, cases pertaining to Anti-Terrorism were scheduled for hearing as jail trials, and the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) is to conduct the proceedings. The petitioner, in compliance of her duties arrived at Adiala Jail to attend the court proceedings. However, the jail authorities did not allow her entry into the premises and stopped her at the outer gate of the jail. She mentioned that the IHC on a writ petition of another lawyer on 06.09.2024, directed the jail authorities to allow the counsels of the accused, whose vakalatnamas have been duly signed and filed in the subject cases, to attend the proceedings. Furthermore, the IHC also appointed commissioners to address any grievances arising in that regard. Despite of the clear directions, the jail authorities repeatedly obstructed the access of petitioner to the court proceedings, adding feeling aggrieved she filed Crl. Org. Petition, which was disposed of by IHC vide impugned order dated 24.03.2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Egypt Today
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Jordan bans Muslim Brotherhood, seizes group's offices and assets
CAIRO – 23 April 2025: Jordanian authorities have officially outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood group, which is designated by many Arab countries as terrorist, and seized its assets after allegations of links to a recent sabotage plot. Jordanian Interior Minister Mazen Fraya announced a ban on the group's activities and the confiscation of its assets and headquarters. He noted in a press conference that joining the Brotherhood is now prohibited by law. Fraya asserted the Muslim Brotherhood members have been proven to be engaging in activities aimed at destabilizing public order. He warned that anyone promoting the group's ideology will face legal consequences. 'Sabotage Plot' Last week, Jordan's authorities reported the arrest of 16 individuals suspected of planning attacks within the country using rockets and drones, thwarting a plot aimed at 'harming national security.' The General Intelligence Department said the suspects planned chaos and sabotage with their alleged plans involving the possession of explosives and automatic weapons. The plans also included the manufacture of rockets, the concealment of a ready-to-launch rocket, besides plans to develop drones and the training of individuals both domestically and abroad. State media reported that the suspects are believed to be affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the Muslim Brotherhood has denied any connection to the alleged plots, insisting it had no knowledge of the activities. Communications Minister Mohammed al-Momani confirmed that all 16 suspects have been referred to the State Security Court on charges related to violations of the Anti-Terrorism law.
