Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Assembly (NA) has passed a significant amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act 2025, extending the maximum detention period for suspected individuals from three months to six months, contingent upon approval by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
The bill was approved with a majority vote during a session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. However, opposition members vehemently opposed the legislation, leading to protests and slogans inside the house.
Under the new amendment, the armed forces and civil armed agencies are empowered to detain individuals suspected of involvement in anti-state activities, kidnapping for ransom, targeted killings, and threats to public order for an initial period of three months. This detention period can be extended to six months, but only after receiving approval from the JIT.
The amendment also revises subsection one of Section 11(4E), stipulating that investigations into detained suspects will be carried out by a JIT composed of representatives from police, intelligence agencies, and security forces.
This legislative move aims to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts while ensuring oversight through the involvement of multi-agency investigative teams.