President Zardari approves Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2025

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

According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the new anti-terrorism law will strengthen the ability of security institutions to prevent acts of terrorism. The statement further added that the law ensures transparency and accountability and includes a three-year sunset clause to limit its duration.

The Presidency noted that the law incorporates judicial oversight and protective measures, calling it a significant step in addressing Pakistan’s security challenges.

According to the text of the bill, no person can be detained without solid evidence. It further states that valid justification will be required to detain a person for more than three months.

The bill amends sub-clause (1) of Section 11-4E. Under the amendment, the armed forces or civil armed forces are authorized to keep any person in preventive detention for up to three months. Detention will be permissible for reasons related to national security, defense, or law and order. It also allows for the detention of individuals involved in crimes such as kidnapping for ransom and targeted killings.

As per the amendment, the detention period for suspects involved in these crimes can be extended beyond three months under Article 10 of the Constitution. Investigations against the detainees will be conducted by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill will remain in force for 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-F (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah strongly opposed the bill, calling its passage in both houses of Parliament “a slap in the face of the Constitution and democracy.”