Islamabad, August 31, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday gave his assent to the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a legislation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s counterterrorism framework while introducing safeguards against abuse of power.
The bill, passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate earlier this month, introduces provisions for preventive detention of suspects on the basis of credible information or reasonable suspicion, in order to disrupt terrorist plots before execution.
According to the President’s House, the law includes a three-year sunset clause, judicial oversight, and accountability mechanisms “to prevent arbitrary practices of the past.” It further allows for the creation of Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs), comprising officials from multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to conduct coordinated investigations and gather actionable intelligence.
Under the amendment, individuals suspected of engaging in activities that threaten national security or public safety — including target killings, kidnapping for ransom, or extortion — may be detained for up to three months.
The statement of objects and reasons presented in Parliament noted that Pakistan’s evolving security environment required “a robust response beyond the scope of existing laws.” It added that the amendment provides law enforcement agencies with the legal cover needed to carry out effective counterterrorism operations.
Officials described the law as an “important step” in addressing Pakistan’s ongoing security challenges while ensuring transparency and accountability in detentions.
