Pakistan’s Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday introduced a bill in the National Assembly to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. After this amendment, security forces will be empowered to arrest and detain suspects of crimes related to extortion, targeted killings and kidnapping.
This bill provides that for any detention of more than three months, a transparent trial will be necessary under Article 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan. This will ensure that suspects have the right to undergo unfair legal processes.
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An investigation team will be formed to investigate the allegations.
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) will be formed to investigate the allegations against the suspects, comprising officials from law enforcement, armed forces, intelligence agencies and senior police officials. This team will conduct an independent and impartial investigation into all allegations against the suspects.
Shahbaz cabinet had given its approval
Last month, Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet approved an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, giving special powers to security forces in Balochistan. This measure has been taken due to the increasing incidents of terrorism in the country, especially in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, adjacent to Afghanistan.
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Pakistan alleges that this neighboring country is harboring terrorists who use its soil to attack. There are differences of opinion between various political parties and human rights organizations regarding this step. Some consider it important from a national security point of view, while others consider it a violation of human rights.
