President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2025, after which the law came into force immediately.
According to the official announcement, the main objective of this law is to make the security agencies more effective and protect the country from the growing threats of terrorism. The bill includes special provisions to ensure transparency, accountability and judicial oversight so that the institutions do not exceed their powers.
Under the amendment bill, suspects can be arrested in advance in case of threats to national security. Moreover, systematic investigations will be made possible by forming joint investigation teams. According to the law, the armed forces and civilian institutions will also have the power of legal detention.
The bill also includes a 3-year “sunset clause” so that the duration of the law is limited and it can be further extended with the approval of the parliament if necessary.
