On August 19, 2025, the Senate of Pakistan passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by a majority vote. Muhammad Tallal Badar, the Minister of State for Interior, introduced the bill to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 and strengthen national security measures in response to rising terrorism threats.
The bill reinstates Section 11EEEE, which authorises the government, Armed Forces, and Civil Armed Forces to detain individuals they identify as significant threats to national security based on credible information or reasonable suspicion. The law aims to disrupt terrorist plots and assist Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs) in gathering actionable intelligence. It includes a three-year sunset clause to ensure periodic reviews of the statute. Furthermore, authorities must present detainees before a magistrate within 24 hours of detention.
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the bill, stating it aligns with the 1973 Constitution and has passed judicial scrutiny. He emphasised the need for robust anti-terrorism measures, citing ongoing attacks like those on the Jaffar Express. However, PTI’s Barrister Syed Ali Zafar and JUI-F’s Kamran Murtaza argued that some clauses may violate constitutional rights, urging referral to a standing committee for further discussion.
Senator Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui stressed zero tolerance for terrorism, noting Pakistan’s loss of nearly 100,000 lives to the menace. He urged lawmakers to support the bill in good faith, warning against political victimisation. Siddiqui expressed empathy for mistreated politicians, referencing cases like Fawad Chaudhry and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and called for transparent communication with the public.
The Anti-Terrorism Bill aims to bolster law enforcement’s ability to combat terrorism, addressing incidents that weaken public trust and national stability. While the bill’s passage marks a step toward enhanced security, ongoing debates highlight the need to balance legal powers with constitutional protections.
