The Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan has enacted legislation, drawing strong criticism from the opposition and human rights advocates. The Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill grants significant powers to the military and security agencies. The law allows for the detention of individuals for up to three months without trial.
Critics are interpreting this as a move that could steer Pakistan towards authoritarianism, potentially mirroring the path taken by General Pervez Musharraf, and strengthening the position of current Army Chief General Asim Munir.
Key Provisions of the New Law:
The amendment reinstates a provision from the 2014 Anti-Terrorism Act, which was repealed in 2016. This allows for preventive detention, where individuals can be held for up to three months based on suspicion or intelligence assessments. The arrest orders can be issued by the government, military, or paramilitary forces. Investigations will be conducted by a Joint Interrogation Team (JIT) comprising police, intelligence agencies, and military officials. This law is set to be in effect for three years, with the possibility of extension by Parliament.
Opposition and Activist Concerns:
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has condemned the law as an assault on human rights, arguing that detention based solely on suspicion, without judicial proceedings, is an act of dictatorship. Human rights groups express concerns that the law could be used to suppress dissent and target opponents of the government, rather than combatting terrorism.
Government Justification:
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defends the law, stating that it will only be used in specific circumstances and that arrests must be based on solid grounds. He asserts that detainees will be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours. The law is designed to be temporary. However, human rights organizations are raising serious concerns, given the historical dominance of the military and intelligence agencies in Pakistan, and questioning whether the established conditions will be adhered to.
Risk of Dictatorship under Munir:
In 1999, Pervez Musharraf overthrew the elected government of Nawaz Sharif through a military coup, suspending the constitution and imposing an emergency. He implemented policies and suppressed the opposition using military power. The Supreme Court later deemed his actions unconstitutional, finding him guilty of high treason.
This history has led to concerns that General Asim Munir could follow a similar path by exploiting this new law. Critics argue that the true purpose of the legislation is not to fight terrorism, but to consolidate power and control.