Draft bill recommends swift proceeding of terrorism-related cases- Prosecution powers to security agencies, provision of security to witnesses proposed
In a bid to further equip and empower law enforcers to fight menace of terrorism, the federal cabinet on Friday approved a draft of amendments to the anti-terrorism law special, recommending swift proceeding in cases related to terrorism, prosecution powers to the security forces and also provision of security to witnesses in such cases.
The approved bill would be laid in parliament for enactment as law and the government aims at doing so during the current session of both Houses of parliament, a source in the government told Pakistan Today.
The move is aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism and giving special powers to security forces, including the Rangers, which are involved in a targeted operation in the economic hub of Karachi. The bill also provides ensuring protection of witnesses in terrorism cases.
De-facto law minister, Zahid Hamid, presented the bill during the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The bill, which calls for terrorists to be held accountable at all costs, was approved by the cabinet members.
The bill includes amendment(s) to help swift proceedings in terrorism cases. It allows for suspects in such cases to be held in custody for 90 days before being presented in court. Under the proposed draft, formation of special courts for swift proceedings and early disposal of terrorism cases within 30 days has been recommended.
“The amendments will help security forces by providing them special prosecution powers in cases related to terrorism. Under the draft bill, eye-witnesses and prosecutors would also be provided security while intelligence and security agencies can be requested to provide support during the interrogation of terrorism suspects,” the source added.
The federal cabinet also decided to constitute a special committee to review the proposed bill for local bodies system in the federal capital.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the targeted action by Rangers in Karachi, saying that it had given some satisfaction to the common man.
He also asked the law minister to extend all possible cooperation to Sindh government to improve law and order in the country’s business hub.
The cabinet also approved a recommendation seeking extraordinary powers to the Sindh Rangers to control the law and order in Karachi.
During the meeting, it was recommended that Rangers be given shoot-at-sight authority against criminals.
This includes extortionists, target killers and kidnappers. The extraordinary powers were granted to the Rangers for their own self defence and protection of residents of Karachi.
