Parliament Approves Anti-Terrorism Bill 2024 Amid Opposition Debate
Parliament Passes Anti-Terrorism Bill Amid Heated Debate
ISLAMABAD — The National Assembly on Tuesday passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024, despite strong opposition from lawmakers questioning its impact on civil liberties.
The bill, introduced by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, faced pushback from opposition members who proposed amendments, all of which were ultimately rejected by the House.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar was among the most vocal critics, cautioning that Parliament must not enact laws that could override the Constitution or infringe on fundamental rights. He highlighted that the Supreme Court had previously struck down similar provisions and expressed concern over the extension of detention periods for suspects from three to six months, warning that such measures could weaken public trust in the system.
In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that all arrested individuals would be presented before a court promptly. He explained that in cases of heightened security risks, a 90-day detention period is justified, noting that evolving threats from terrorism demand legislative flexibility.
PPP leader Naveed Qamar added that while constitutional rights are protected during normal times, extraordinary situations require measures to safeguard public safety. With two provinces currently facing elevated terrorism threats, he said, granting additional powers was essential.
Following the debate, the bill was approved by a majority, marking another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-terrorism measures.
In other parliamentary updates, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi briefed lawmakers on several initiatives to improve Pakistan Railways. He said feasibility studies for a new rail link connecting Afghanistan via Kohat-Thal-Kharlachi have been completed, with land acquisition now underway. Plans for a rail connection from Gwadar to Nokkundi are nearing finalization, and land acquisition for routes from Gwadar to Mastung and Besima to Jacobabad is in progress.
Abbasi also highlighted upgrades to railway stations aimed at enhancing passenger services and announced that Pakistan Railways is in the final stages of outsourcing 200 freight wagons to the private sector to meet the growing demands of the industrial and energy sectors.
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