Pakistan government moves anti-terror bill in the senate

Islamabad: The government on Friday presented a controversial antiterrorism legislation to the Pakistani Senate amid protests by opposition lawmakers.

The “Protection of Pakistan Bill” designed to grant sweeping powers of arrest and detention to security forces has already been passed by the 342-member National Assembly, lower house of the parliament.

The government faces a challenge to its ability to pass the legislation through the 100-member Senate where the opposition parties collectively command majority.

The main opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) along with Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Awami National Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid are against the bill termed by them a “black” law.

After a discussion, the chair referred the legislation to the relevant Senate Standing Committee to review it and offer feedback. Human rights organisations have also criticised the law and called for drastic amendments before it is enacted into a law.

The government emphasises that legislative measures are needed for more effective tackling of the menace of terrorism and violent crime.

The Senate has adjourned to meet again on Monday.