*By Staff Reporter**Date:* August 15, 2025
*Islamabad:* The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed the *Anti-Terrorism(Amendment) Bill* this week, granting expanded administrative detentionpowers to both civilian and military forces.
Amnesty International warn that the new provisions pose a* risk* tofundamental civil liberties, including the right to liberty and a fairtrial — safeguards enshrined not only in Pakistan’s Constitution but alsoin international human rights treaties to which the country is a party.
The bill’s provisions allow for broad and discretionary powers to detainindividuals without immediate judicial oversight, significantly enhancingthe authority of armed forces in civilian matters. Critics argue that suchmeasures could be misused for political suppression, silencing dissent, andtargeting journalists or opposition voices.
“This legislation undermines the principle of due process,” said a seniorhuman rights lawyer in Islamabad. “By expanding detention powers withoutsufficient checks and balances, the state risks eroding public trust in thejustice system.”
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Supporters of the amendment, however, defend it as a necessary step tostrengthen Pakistan’s counterterrorism framework, citing the ongoingthreats posed by extremist groups. Government representatives claim thatthe law will help security forces act more swiftly in emergencies, ensuringnational security and public safety.
The bill now awaits Senate approval before it can be enacted into law.Opposition parties have indicated that they will challenge its provisions,both in the upper house and, if necessary, through the courts.
Rights groups have urged lawmakers to reconsider the measure and introducesafeguards to prevent abuse, warning that the unchecked expansion of statepower could set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic future.