90-day detention powers reinstated as NA approves ATA amendment

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Anti-Terrorism Act (Amendment) Bill with a majority, restoring the law that allows authorities to detain a suspect for up to 90 days. The law, which previously existed, had lapsed due to a sunset clause that limits its duration.

Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chauhdry moved the bill.

The bill will provide the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) with the legal backing to conduct more effective operations against terrorism.

It will facilitate the use of Joint Interrogation Teams (JTIs), composed of members from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to conduct comprehensive inquiries and gather actionable intelligence.

During the National Assembly session, Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mr. Talal Chaudhry, on behalf of the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, moved that the Bill further to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 [The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment)… pic.twitter.com/31KTdZ3v5M

— National Assembly (@NAofPakistan) August 13, 2025

The House passed the bill through clause by clause read.

Earlier, the House adopted the motion to consider the bill with 125 votes in its favour and 59 against it.

The latest amendment would allow for the preventative detention of suspects based on credible information or reasonable suspicion, thereby disrupting terrorist plots before they can be executed.

Also Read: Ban on Indian-sponsored terrorist organisation is victory for Pakistan: Talal Chaudhry

The House also passed the National School of Public Policy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly also passed a resolution congratulating the nation on the Independence Day and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.

The resolution was moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary in connection with the Independence Day and victory in Marka-e-Haq.

The resolution recognised the significance of Marka-e-Haq, a glorious victory of the valiant armed forces of Pakistan against unprovoked military provocation by India.

The House appreciated the unity, resilience, and patriotism of the people of Pakistan who stood shoulder to shoulder with their armed forces.

The resolution paid rich tribute to the martyrs and ghazis whose sacrifices have preserved the freedom, dignity and honour of the nation.

The House affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and friendly relations with all neighbours based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and non-interference while maintaining its unflinching resolve to defend its sovereignty against any aggression.

The session was later prorogued for indefinite time period.