Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment Bill Passes with Majority Vote in National Assembly

Strategic Insights -

The Anti-Terrorism Act (Amendment) Bill sailed through the National Assembly with a majority vote, restoring the 90-day detention powers given to law enforcement agencies. The bill was moved by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and despite opposition from JUI-F lawmakers, it was passed with a majority vote. The amendment aims 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.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Anti-Terrorism Act (Amendment) Bill was passed with a majority vote in the National Assembly, restoring the 90-day detention powers for law enforcement agencies.
  • The bill allows for the preventative detention of suspects based on credible information or reasonable suspicion, disrupting terrorist plots before they can be executed.
  • The amendment also provides the legal backing for law enforcement agencies to conduct more effective operations against terrorism, using Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs) to gather actionable intelligence.
  • Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan termed the law a violation of fundamental clauses of the Constitution of Pakistan.
  • Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar backed the bill, stating that the government has the authority to legislate for public order and security, and that judicial review mechanisms are in place.
  • The bill removes provisions that had been criticized by opposition lawmakers, ensuring that action will only be taken where evidence of terrorism exists.

Statistics:

  • The bill was passed with 125 votes in favor and 59 against, indicating a significant majority.
  • The amendment will allow for the preventative detention of suspects for up to 90 days, as per the Constitution.
  • 41 members voted in support of JUI-F's amendment, seeking to send the bill to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
  • The bill now awaits approval from the Senate.

Sources:

  • The Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024
  • The Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997
  • The News International, Islamabad: "Anti-Terrorism Act amendment bill passed with majority vote"