Concerned over the recently submitted Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the National Assembly, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) described it as a “gross violation of right to due process” and “fair trial” on Sunday.
The legislation will, according to the human rights organization, “authorise the state to detain individuals for ‘inquiry’ for up to three months merely based on ‘credible information’ or ‘reasonable suspicion’ without judicial oversight on the presumption that they pose a threat to national security or public order” .
“The HRCP strongly urges the government to withdraw this bill and formulate legislation and a plan of action that cannot be abused as a means of violating citizens’ fundamental rights,” according to a statement released by the HRCP.
