President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025 into law, strengthening the powers of security agencies to combat terrorism in Pakistan, the Presidency said in an official statement.
According to the statement, the new law enhances the ability of security institutions to prevent terrorist activities while ensuring transparency and accountability. A three-year sunset clause has been included to limit the duration of the law.
The legislation incorporates judicial oversight and protective measures, marking a significant step toward addressing Pakistan’s security challenges.
Under the amended law, no individual can be detained without solid evidence. Detention exceeding three months requires valid justification. Section 11-EE has been revised to allow the armed forces or civil armed forces to place a person under preventive detention for up to three months in cases related to national security, defense, public order, kidnapping for ransom, or targeted killings.
Detention can be extended beyond three months under Article 10 of the Constitution, provided there is legal justification. Investigations of detainees will be conducted by joint investigation teams (JITs). The law will remain in effect for three years.
The Senate had recently approved the bill following its passage in the National Assembly.
