Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Pakistan Amends Anti-Terror Law, Allowing Detentions
Pakistan has updated its anti-terrorism laws.
This allows the government and armed forces to hold people suspected of terrorism for up to three months.
The goal is to keep people safe.
The law was initially brought in back in 2014 but expired in 2016.
The opposition party is concerned because they fear this will be against human rights, but the government assures this law will only be used in certain situations.
Arrested persons must be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours.
Pakistan amended its Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) to allow detention of suspects.
The amendment grants security agencies and armed forces the power to detain individuals for up to three months.
The National Assembly passed the amendment to change Section 11 EEEE of the ATA.
The bill was quietly introduced in November 2024 by the government.
The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party opposed the amendment, citing human rights concerns.
- Who
- The Pakistani government, security agencies, and armed forces.
- What
- The National Assembly passed an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
- When
- Passed on Wednesday.
- Where
- Pakistan.
- Why
- To augment the powers of security agencies in dealing with terrorism-related activities.
Government
Critics
Use of Law
Government
The government needs stronger legal tools to combat terrorism.
Critics
The law infringes on human rights and could be used to silence dissent.
- Bill Name
- Amendment to Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA)
- Detention Time
- Up to three months
- Key Section
- Section 11 EEEE
- Opposition Party
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
