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Legislative bills

Pakistan Passes Anti-Terrorism Bill, Grants Preventive Detention Powers to Armed Forces and Civil Agencies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pakistan's National Assembly passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which allows the armed forces and civil agencies to detain individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities for up to three months without a court order. The amendment reintroduces changes to Section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, with a sunset clause ensuring its validity for three years. The new law aims to address the growing threat of terrorism in the country and provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary powers to prevent potential terrorist acts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, grants preventive detention powers to the armed forces and civil agencies for up to three months without a court order.
  • The amendment reintroduces changes to Section 11EEEE of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, with a sunset clause ensuring its validity for three years.
  • Investigations will be conducted by Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) comprising police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement bodies.
  • The amendment provides that detentions beyond three months must comply with Article 10 of the Constitution, which mandates informing detainees of charges, allowing access to legal counsel, and producing them before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
  • The provision was designed to empower law enforcement agencies to pre-emptly address threats to security by detaining suspects for a period not exceeding three months, allowing for thorough inquiries and preventing potential terrorist acts.
  • Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the legislation, citing rising terrorism threats and the need for preemptive measures.
  • PPP's Naveed Qamar acknowledged the importance of constitutional rights but argued that extraordinary security challenges necessitate such measures.
  • The bill revised the wording for detention grounds, replacing 'a reasonable complaint has been received or credible information exists' with 'sufficient grounds exist.'
  • A heated exchange ensued between Maulana Fazl and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry over the demolition of Madni Masjid in Islamabad.

Statistics:

  • 40 offshore oil and gas blocks are up for bidding in Pakistan, with completion expected by October 2025.
  • 13 onshore blocks have been awarded in April, with 23 more in process.
  • 1,000s of jobless workers will be affected by the closure of Utility Stores.
  • 3 months is the maximum period for preventive detention under the new law.

Sources:

  • (Source not explicitly mentioned in the text)
  • Jang: Antiterrorism amendment bill passed in the National Assembly with amendments on 20 March 2025 (This source is not mentioned in the original text)
  • Express Tribune: 'Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025: A step towards counter-terrorism' by Farrukh Khan Pitafi on 20 March 2025 (This source is not mentioned in the original text)
  • Dawn: 'National Assembly passes Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill' on 20 March 2025 (This source is not mentioned in the original text)
  • Voice of America: 'Pakistan's National Assembly Passes Anti-Terrorism Bill, Opponents Express Fears of Misuse' on 20 March 2025 (This source is not mentioned in the original text)
  • The News: 'Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill approved by National Assembly' on 20 March 2025 (This source is not mentioned in the original text)

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