Government Proposes 3-Month Detention for Suspicion

The federal government has introduced a bill to amend the anti-terrorism law in the National Assembly, granting authorities the power to detain individuals for up to three months based on mere suspicion.

Presented by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the amendment targets Section 11, Subsection 4(e) of the Anti-Terrorism Act. If passed, the bill will empower both the armed forces and civil security agencies to detain individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities, particularly those posing threats to national security, public order, and defense.

The proposed legislation also covers serious crimes such as extortion, kidnapping, and target killings, allowing for a three-month detention period. However, it stipulates that any detention exceeding this duration will require adherence to the rights outlined in Article 10(A), ensuring individuals receive a fair trial.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that any cases of detention beyond three months will be investigated by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which will comprise members from various security and law enforcement agencies, including representatives from police, intelligence agencies, civil armed forces, and the military. This move is seen as a step towards enhancing security measures while balancing the need for legal oversight in the detention process.