Pakistan’s new anti-terror law challenged

Islamabad: The Pakistan Protection Act enacted by parliament and signed by the president earlier this month has been challenged in a high court.

The law gives additional powers to law enforcement agencies for combating terrorism and crime.

A National Assembly member Jamshed Dasti, elected as an independent in the 2013 general election from his Muzaffargarh constituency in Punjab province, moved a petition Monday at the Islamabad High Court against the law which will remain in force for a period of two years.

The petitioner contends that the Act, which provides for a 60-day remand, empowers law enforces to carry search any premises without warrant and detain a suspect and also makes room for shooting a suspect on sight with the permission of an officer of Grade-15 and above, opens the door for misuse of special powers for victimisation of political opponents.

Dasti says the law is against fundamental human rights and that it has been criticised by international rights organisations.