President approves anti-terrorism amendment bill

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Office, the new anti-terrorism law will strengthen the capability of security agencies to prevent terrorism.

The statement added that the law ensures transparency and accountability, and a three-year sunset clause has been included to limit its duration.

According to the President’s Office, the law includes judicial oversight and protective measures, and it is considered a significant step in addressing Pakistan’s security challenges.

Details of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill:

According to the text of the bill, no individual can be detained without solid evidence. The bill makes it mandatory to provide reasonable justification for any detention exceeding three months.

Under the bill, Section 11-4E, Sub-clause 1 has been amended. According to the amendment, the armed forces or civil armed forces are authorized to keep any individual in protective custody for up to three months. Individuals can be detained for reasons related to national security, defense, and public order. Anyone involved in kidnapping for ransom or target killings may also be detained.

According to the amendment, the detention period of individuals involved in such crimes can be extended beyond three months under Article 10. A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) will conduct investigations against the detained individuals. The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act will be effective for a period of three years.

It is worth noting that a few days ago, the Senate approved the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2025, which had already been passed by the National Assembly.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah had termed the passage of this bill by both houses of Parliament a “slap in the face of the Constitution and democracy.”