New Anti-Terrorism Bill Expected to Lead to Widespread Human Rights Abuses in Pakistan
The government of Pakistan has introduced a highly controversial bill in the National Assembly, seeking to enhance the powers of military and civil armed forces to detain individuals facing terrorism charges for up to three months without trial. This move has raised significant concerns over civil liberties and human rights.
The proposed amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) allow authorities to detain anyone deemed to pose a threat to national security based on “reasonable suspicion.” Critics argue that this vague terminology could lead to arbitrary detentions, particularly targeting ethnic minorities, journalists, and political dissenters. The bill was swiftly referred to committee without discussion, bypassing opposition scrutiny.
Experts warn that this legislation reflects an ongoing trend of increasing military influence over civilian governance and a weakening judiciary. The amendments come amid rising counterterrorism pressures, particularly from China, and a deteriorating security environment in Pakistan. Notably, those detained under this law would be barred from seeking legal recourse for three months, raising alarms about potential abuses of power.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the bill, emphasizing that preventive detention is prone to misuse. Historical precedents show that similar laws have been exploited to silence political opponents and suppress dissent. Furthermore, the establishment of Joint Interrogation Teams under the new provisions raises additional concerns about oversight and accountability.
As the military tightens its grip on governance, analysts fear that these amendments could lead to an institutionalization of enforced disappearances and further erosion of civil liberties in Pakistan. Despite international criticism, the military establishment appears poised to push the bill through parliament, signaling a troubling shift towards authoritarianism.
