National Assembly Passes Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024

The National Assembly passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024 on Wednesday with a majority vote.

The bill was introduced by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry despite strong resistance from opposition parties. Opposition lawmakers proposed several amendments, but the House rejected them during the voting process.

During the debate, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar strongly criticised the bill. He warned that Parliament should avoid enacting laws that override the Constitution or limit fundamental rights.

He also highlighted that the Supreme Court had previously struck down similar provisions. Furthermore, he opposed the extension of suspect detention from three months to six months, arguing that such steps weaken public trust.

In response, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the bill. He explained that any detained person must be presented before a court. He noted that suspects could be held for 90 days on security grounds.

He stressed that evolving security conditions caused by terrorism made the legislation necessary.

PPP leader Naveed Qamar also spoke in support of the bill. He stated that while the Constitution protects rights in normal times, extraordinary circumstances require exceptional measures.

He emphasised that two provinces face serious terrorism threats, making additional powers essential to protect the public.

After the debate, the House approved the bill with a majority vote. This passage marked another milestone in the government’s legislative agenda aimed at strengthening anti-terrorism laws. Supporters argued that the bill would enhance security and improve the government’s ability to respond to terror threats.

During the same session, Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi updated the House on railway development projects.

He said feasibility studies for rail connectivity with Afghanistan through Kohat-Thal-Kharlachi were complete, and land acquisition was underway. He added that feasibility work for a Gwadar-Nokkundi rail link was near completion, while land acquisition for Gwadar-Mastung and Besima-Jacobabad routes was also in progress.

Hanif Abbasi further stated that Pakistan Railways was upgrading stations to improve passenger facilities. He announced that the department was in the final stages of outsourcing 200 freight waggons to the private sector.