On August 14, 2025, the Pakistani National Assembly enacted the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which reinstates the provision of preventative detention for anybody accused of engaging in terrorist-related activities. This amendment reinstates Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) Section 11EEEE, which was first passed in 2014 following the Peshawar Army Public School attack but had lapsed in 2016 because of a sunset provision.
This amendment’s main characteristic is that it gives the military and civil armed forces the authority to hold anyone for up to three months if they are suspected of being terrorists, provided that they have reasonable suspicion or credible intelligence. The goal of the law is to give authorities the ability to stop terrorist acts before they are carried out. Subject to constitutional protections under Article 10 of the Pakistani Constitution, which guards against arbitrary arrest and detention, the amendment also permits detentions longer than three months.
Following a clause-by-clause reading in the National Assembly, the amended bill—which was proposed by Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control—was approved with 125 votes in favor and 59 against. The House approved an amendment by Syed Naveed Qamar of the Pakistan Peoples Party but rejected revisions made by Aliya Kamran of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F).
The change makes it easier to create Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs) in addition to granting preventative detention authority. Members of intelligence services, the military, civil armed forces, and other law enforcement organizations make up these teams, together with police officers with ranks no lower than superintendent of police (SP). JITs are responsible for obtaining operational intelligence and carrying out in-depth investigations pertaining to terrorism.
The rules state that orders for preventative detention may be issued by the government or the military (where Section 4 is used) for a maximum of three months following the recording of justifications. People who are suspected of engaging in crimes pertaining to public order, national security, target killing, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, or the upkeep of necessary supplies and services may be placed in detention.
According to a new phrase in the amendment, which essentially functions as a sunset clause, these powers would continue to exist for three years after the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025 is enacted.
Azam Nazeer Tarar, Pakistan’s Law Minister, explained that the law includes checks and is meant to be used selectively. The law has provisions guaranteeing that the grounds for arrest are sound and warranted, and those who are arrested must appear before a magistrate within 24 hours.
Opposition parties have, however, criticized the measure. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), denounced the change as a reiteration of previous legislation that violates basic human rights. Members of the opposition also expressed worries about possible infractions of Article 10 of the constitution, which protects citizens from arrest and detention, as well as the possibility that prolonged confinement might damage public confidence. Critics contend that by permitting extended preventative detention without charges, the amendment may be abused and jeopardize civil liberties.
The administration defends the change in spite of the criticism by emphasizing Pakistan’s present security issues and the necessity of strong legal instruments to enable the government, military, and law enforcement to take immediate action against terrorist threats.
The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024, provides safeguards, gives the military and civilian armed forces detention authority under the supervision of Joint Interrogation Teams, and restores strong preventive detention provisions for suspected terrorists. In the face of changing security threats, it shows Pakistan’s continuous efforts to fortify its counterterrorism framework while igniting discussion on legal protections and human rights.
