Islamabad: Pakistan’s upper house of parliament has approved the “Explosives Act Amendment Bill 2025,” which aims to make laws related to explosives more effective and ensure public safety. According to the new amendments, strict penalties have been introduced for the manufacture, purchase, and sale of dangerous materials and violations.
The Bill makes it clear
- “Illegal activity” includes the manufacture of explosives without a license.
- “Deliberate detonation” is an action carried out with intent, whether successful or not.
- “Grave breach” is an act that exposes the life of the public to a threat such as terrorism.
According to the new rules:
- Final penalty of Rs. 5 lakh for unintentional minor violation
- Final penalty of Rs. 1 million for intentional minor violation
- 3 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10 million for unintentional serious violation
- 7 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 20 million for intentional serious violation
The anti-terrorism court has been given the power to try these cases, while the right of appeal has been transferred to the relevant high court. At the same time, DG Explosives has been given more powers under which they can summon any citizen or ask for investigation documents.
The Senate’s passage of the bill is being described by experts as a decisive step, which will provide a strong legal framework to protect national security and guard against the use of illegal explosives.
