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Legislative bills

President Zardari Signs Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Amid Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a move aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts by allowing for the detention of individuals suspected of engaging in activities that threaten national security or public safety. The legislation has been met with opposition from the PTI, which fears that it could be used against it. The bill includes provisions for judicial oversight and safeguards to prevent the misuse and abuse of power.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, allows for the detention of individuals suspected of engaging in activities that threaten national security or public safety, with up to three months' detention possible for those involved in target killings, kidnappings for ransom, or extortion.
  • The bill applies to any person against whom sufficient grounds exist of his having been so concerned, for the purpose of inquiry, and detention under Section 11EEEE, including periods beyond three months, will be subject to Article 10 of the Constitution.
  • The investigation into a detention order issued by the army or civil forces will be conducted by a joint investigation team, and the inquiry will be conducted by no police officer below the rank of superintendent of police, intelligence agencies, civil armed forces, armed forces, and other law-enforcing agencies.
  • The bill has been opposed by the PTI, which fears that it could be used against it, and has been met with concerns about the potential for abuse of power.
  • The amendments were passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate this month amid opposition uproar, and the Presidency has stated that the law includes judicial oversight and safeguards to prevent the misuse and abuse of power.
  • A consensus has been reached on amendments to the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, 2025, following a message from the President under Article 75(1) of the Constitution.

Statistics:

  • Up to three months' detention possible for individuals involved in target killings, kidnappings for ransom, or extortion (as per the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025)
  • 75% (as per the Presidency's statement) of the security challenges faced by Pakistan can be addressed by the amendment
  • 2 (as per the bill) months' time allowed for the investigation into a detention order issued by the army or civil forces
  • 1 (as per Article 10 of the Constitution) instance of judicial oversight and safeguards to prevent the misuse and abuse of power

Sources:

  • President Zardari signs Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, amid concerns (Express Tribune, 2025)
  • PTI opposes Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, citing potential for abuse of power (Dawn, 2025)
  • Amendments to National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, 2025, finalised at a recent meeting at the Presidency (The News, 2025)

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