The National Assembly passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024 on Tuesday, despite strong opposition protests during the session. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq chaired the meeting.
Opposition members, including lawmakers from PTI and JUI-F, protested the bill. They raised slogans and walked out of the National Assembly chamber during the voting process. The bill was passed by a majority vote.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the bill, saying it gives too much power to institutions. He claimed the legislation assumes every citizen is guilty until proven innocent. Rehman also argued that such laws could allow arrests without solid proof.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan also opposed the bill. He said the changes violate Article 10 of the Constitution. According to him, no law should override fundamental rights protected by the Constitution.
One major concern is the amendment to Section 11. The change allows the government to detain a person for up to three months. The detention can be extended by another three months. Gohar Khan said this violates basic human rights.
The opposition accused the government of bypassing debate and pushing the bill without consultation. They warned that such laws may lead to misuse and abuse of power.
Supporters of the bill argued that strong measures are needed to fight terrorism. They said the bill aims to close legal gaps and improve national security.
The National Assembly now awaits the Senate’s approval for the bill to become law. Critics continue to urge lawmakers to review the law and protect citizens’ rights.
This development has sparked a new wave of political debate, raising concerns about the balance between security and civil liberties in Pakistan.
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