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Time of India
13 hours 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
17 hours 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.
Pink Villa
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
After Aamir Khan, Rajpal Yadav gets real about nepotism in Bollywood: ‘Main to ek ko bhi nahi...'
The debate around nepotism has always been constant, with every individual having their own take on it. After Aamir Khan, the latest one to join the discussion is none other than Rajpal Yadav, who mentioned that nepotism doesn't only exist. He went on to name the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and more to elucidate his point. In a recent interaction with ANI, Rajpal Yadav claimed that there is 'no nepotism' in the industry. He stated that he would like to speak 'honestly' about it. The Bhool Bhulaiyaa actor stated that if there was nepotism, then there wouldn't have been Shah Rukh Khan, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, Johny Lever, Sanjeev Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Dharmendra. He stated that it was his desire to join Bollywood or theater, and nobody in his family insisted on him to do that. The actor revealed that he has also told his kids that no one can make anyone's career in sports and cinema. According to him, it is only one's good person sitting within them that tells him if they are capable of doing it. Rajpal believes even if he pushes anyone, he can't prevent the debacles they would face later in life. The De Dana Dan actor acknowledges that an individual would get an opportunity for the first time, but whether he will succeed or has that energy is decided by the Almighty or the audience, emphasizing that there is no nepotism. "I have been acting for 38 years now. And I have at least 200 relatives. Mai to ek ko bhi nahin karva blessings apni apni.. mehnat apni hai (I haven't been able to get them work here. It is blessings, hard work), and finally it is the audience who decides," he further added. In another interview with Raj Shamani, Aamir Khan also addressed the nepotism debate, stating that he has neither interfered in his son Junaid Khan's career nor will he ever do that in the future. The veteran actor also claimed that no one can uplift anyone's career in the acting industry. On the professional front, Yadav is currently enjoying the release of his movie, Interrogation, on Zee 5.
India Gazette
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
I try to avoid characters of same mentality: Rajpal Yadav on being typecast for comedy roles in Bollywood
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Actor Rajpal Yadav, who is known for his comedy roles in films like 'Hungama', 'Chup Chup Ke' and Bhool Bhulaiyaa', opened up about being typecast for his comic roles in his over two-decades-long acting career in Bollywood. In a conversation with ANI, the actor admitted that he tends to avoid scripts that offer him a role with the same 'mentality' as his previous characters, which he has already portrayed in his past films. 'Mujhe nhi pata mai tragedy karta hoo, comedy ya serious. Mai saubhagyashaali hoo ki mai ek baar ye character jee loo, toh, dossri baar uss character ko choone ki ikcha nhi karti, pyaar bhut karta hoo, lekin mujhe koi agar same mansikta ka character suna de to mai koshish karta hoo ki ya toh usse mai bach jaau ya usse koi idea suna doo jisse uski mentality change ho jaae. (I don't know if I do tragedy or comedy, or serious. I am fortunate that I am able to live as a character, but then I don't want to touch that character again. I love it a lot. But if someone pitches me a character with the same mentality, then I try to escape it. Otherwise, I tell them the idea and change their mentality),' said Rajpal Yadav. However, throughout much of his career, the actor has frequently appeared in comedy films, which has led to a common perception in the Bollywood industry that Rajpal Yadav is primarily a comedic actor. When asked whether he ever felt typecast for his roles in the Bollywood industry, the 'Hungama' actor clarified that he never felt restricted by such labels. According to him, his versatile body of work has enabled him to explore a wide range of characters throughout his acting career. 'Nahi, uljhe kabhi nhi rhe. Kyoki jab hum log NSD (National School of Drama) me the, hum baat krte the ki voh typecast ho gya, ye typecast ho gya. Toh aap sochiye, 1999 me mujhe pehli baar fimlm me entry krne ka saubhagya mila. 2024 me 25 saal poore hue. Usme leads, supporting leads, comic lead, guest appearances, ek scene se lekar 100 scene me kaam karne ka mauka mila. (No, I was never involved because when we were in NSD, we used to talk about typecasting, this was typecast, that was typecast, that was typecast. In 1999, my first chance to enter the film. In 2024, I completed 25 years. So, almost leads, supporting leads, comic lead, guest appearances, from one scene to 100 scenes),' said Rajpal Yadav. The 'Hungama' actor further added that he loves the 'strength of entertainment' which helped him to perform over 500 characters. 'Mujhe entertainment ki strength se pyaar hah. Mujhe lagbhag 500 charitra jeene ka saubhagya mil gya. Agar aap small plays se lekar 70mm jode toh. (I love the strength of entertainment. I got the chance to live 500 characters. If you add all of them, from a small play to 70 mm),' said Rajpal Yadav. Rajpal Yadav was recently seen in a Zee5 film 'Interrogation'. It was directed by Ajoy Varma Raja. (ANI)
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Gujarat police teams dispatched to Bengal, Northeast for ID verification of suspected illegal immigrants
The Gujarat Police has dispatched teams to West Bengal and some north-eastern states to conduct a physical verification of suspected to illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, who were detained in the state since early Saturday, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The police department is also faced with the task of making temporary arrangements for confinement of confirmed illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country as the two Joint Interrogation Centres (JICs) in Ahmedabad and Kutch — the detention facilities for apprehended foreigners — are filled to their capacity. Senior officers confirmed that the police teams have been sent to West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and Meghalaya, which serve as transit points for illegal migration from Bangladesh to India. A senior official said that the teams have been sent for 'verification of documents' as some of the documents provided by the people, suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals, are carrying documents, which have faraway areas of West Bengal and the northeastern states as their addresses. The police suspect that those IDs could be 'fake' and might have been procured through a network facilitating the illegal immigration. 'The teams will conduct a physical verification of documents such as Aaadhar, voting cards, bank documents and other such ID proofs produced by them. Mobile phone data of the suspects, including details of their Bangladeshi contacts, and bank details are also being probed… we are also ascertaining whether their stay in Gujarat was facilitated by any agency for cheaper labour…' Among the questions facing the agencies that have now detained over 1,500 people across the state, is the confinement of the confirmed illegal immigrants, until they are deported. A senior Gujarat police officer said, 'The two detention centres (JICs) at Ahmedabad and Kutch, which have a capacity of about 100 and 70, respectively, are already overcrowded… The respective city police will have to make temporary arrangements locally to confine the illegal immigrants until the deportation is complete.' In Vadodara, Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar said that over 1300 suspected Bangladeshi nationals have been rounded up since Saturday — eight of them were confirmed as illegal immigrants. Komar also said that 41 others are suspected to be illegal immigrants, and a verification of their documents is underway. Komar told The Indian Express, 'Since Saturday, we have identified a total of eight Bangladeshi nationals who had been residing illegally in Vadodara. A probe is underway. Meanwhile, the Special Branch, which deals with registration of foreign nationals, has begun the process of deportation of the confirmed illegal immigrants… The necessary correspondence will be made with the government to expedite the process…' Komar said that the Vadodara city police already have five Bangladeshi illegal immigrants in its confinement since March last year, awaiting deportation. Komar said, 'Since the JICs are full, we will make temporary arrangements for the illegal immigrants. They are not under arrest during this period but under confinement at a regulated place… We have had five Bangladeshi nationals in confinement since March 2024 on the premises of the Special Operations Group in Vadodara. We are awaiting slots to be confirmed by the Border Security Force to execute the deportation of such immigrants.' Komar said that while the regular process of deportation can be time-consuming, the current drive against illegal immigrants, being a 'special drive', would see an expedited process. 'We believe that the government will expedite the deportation process for those illegal immigrants, who have been found since the commencement of the drive (on Saturday)…' Komar said. Till Sunday, the Gujarat police had detained close to 1,024 and rounded up close to 1,300 suspected Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara. While 890 were detained in Ahmedabad, 134 were held in Surat. In Vadodara and Rajkot, 1300 and 800 persons have been rounded up, respectively. Of the 890 people detained in Ahmedabad, 100 have been confirmed as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, while it has been confirmed that Rajkot had 10 Bangladeshi nationals living illegally in the city.
