Parliamentary Committee Shakes Up Anti-Terror Law and Demands Tougher Penalties for Major Crimes
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: In a significant move likely to have far-reaching legal and political consequences, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control has recommended a critical amendment to Pakistan’s anti-terrorism legislation. The Committee endorsed the passage of The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024—specifically altering Section 11EEEE—after intense deliberations. This legislative change, which strengthens state powers to counter emerging security threats, dominated the 15th meeting of the Committee held at Parliament House.
Adding to the legal gravity of the session, the Committee also backed a proposal to reclassify certain criminal offences from “bailable” to “non-bailable.” Specifically, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Schedule-II), moved by MNA Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, sought to upgrade the legal status of offences under Section 320—related to causing death by rash or negligent acts—to non-bailable. This amendment reflects growing legislative pressure to ensure stronger accountability for serious crimes, amid rising public demand for stricter justice.
In contrast, several legislative items were deferred due to procedural or attendance-related reasons. These included the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which awaits further briefing from the Ministry of Law and Justice, and The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Section 498AA), postponed due to the mover’s absence. The much-anticipated Corrosive Substances Assault (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2024, which aims to address acid attacks and related violence, was also deferred to the next session, pending further coordination.
Beyond legislative matters, the Committee turned its attention to deteriorating infrastructure in Islamabad’s rural areas. A detailed briefing by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) revealed that Rs. 10 billion has been allocated on a self-finance basis for road development. Work on Jagiot Road is expected to be completed by the end of September 2025, while Sikandar-e-Azam Road has reached 70% completion. The mover of the original notice, MNA Nuzhat Sadiq, acknowledged residents’ concerns over delays but expressed satisfaction with the CDA’s current pace and transparency.
Additional issues were raised regarding sanitation and public facilities in Islamabad’s F-10 and F-11 parks. Committee members criticized the lack of maintenance and inadequate amenities, directing CDA officials present at the meeting to expedite improvements. The Minister of State assured the Committee of fair and inclusive solutions to issues affecting the public.
The meeting, chaired by MNA Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, was attended by several prominent lawmakers and senior officers from the Ministries of Interior, Law and Justice, and the CDA. With major legislative endorsements and urgent public issues on the agenda, the session underscored the Committee’s active role in both national security policy and civic oversight.
