ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In a significant move that has sparked intense debate across the country, President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, granting sweeping powers to security agencies in the fight against terrorism.
The new legislation, aimed at tightening the state’s grip on rising security challenges, allows law enforcement to detain suspects involved in serious crimes such as terror financing, target killings, extortion, and kidnappings for ransom for up to three months without formal charges. Extensions beyond this period will be subject to the limitations of Article 10 of the Constitution, ensuring basic legal oversight.
Under the law, detention orders can be issued by both military and civil authorities, while investigations will now be led by Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) comprising senior police officers and intelligence officials. Officials emphasized that no officer below the rank of Superintendent of Police will be part of these sensitive inquiries.
Government representatives have defended the legislation, stating that Pakistan’s evolving security landscape demands “a robust legal framework to neutralize threats before they materialize.” Officials argue that the law will enhance inter-agency coordination and help dismantle organized terror networks more effectively.
However, opposition parties, including the PTI, have expressed deep reservations. Critics warn that the law’s broad definitions and unchecked authority could pave the way for political victimization and suppression of dissent. Human rights advocates have also raised alarms over the potential for abuse, citing past instances where anti-terror laws were allegedly misused against political opponents and activists.
The passage of this bill marks a crucial juncture for Pakistan, raising pressing questions: Will the legislation strengthen national security, or will it erode civil liberties in the name of counterterrorism? The coming months will reveal how the government implements these expanded powers—and whether safeguards are truly upheld.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.