Balochistan Assembly Approves Anti-Terrorism Amendment Act

QUETTA: As per the newly enacted Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act Balochistan 2025, any organization is now authorized to hold an individual for a maximum of three months before they are required to produce them in court and reveal the accusations. This development occurred on Thursday.

The Balochistan Assembly endorsed the revised bill on Wednesday. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that the issue of individuals who have disappeared would be addressed through judicial channels.

Opposition figure Kulsoom Niaz exited the Assembly following the denial of her request to speak. The Balochistan Assembly session on Wednesday commenced following a delay of 30 minutes, presided over by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.

Sadiq Sanjrani, a member of the Standing Committee on Home Affairs, presented the committee’s assessment of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act Balochistan 2025.

Upon the presentation of the proposed legislation for approval, opposition member Maulana Hidayatur Rehman remarked that the matter of missing people ought to be resolved.

He stated that while the anti-terrorism measure may have merit, it was necessary to clarify the intended beneficiaries. He questioned, “Who will bear responsibility for the fatalities?” and noted that Counterterrorism Department operations were apparent to all and that the House should be informed about the bill.

JUI member Shahida Rauf suggested that the bill should undergo further evaluation and not be expedited.

In response, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti remarked: “The Assembly adheres to decorum. This matter has been ongoing for a considerable period. Who is accountable for these ‘missing’ people? Subsequently, it is revealed that they maintained connections with outlawed organizations.”

He further stated that the matter of missing individuals has been exploited as propaganda to discredit state institutions and that legislation offers a resolution. “We must prevent the misuse of this issue. Anyone apprehended will be brought before a magistrate.”

He clarified: “If an institution apprehends an individual, they are permitted to detain them for up to three months. Following this period, the person must be presented before a court and apprised of the allegations against them.

“The detained individual will be accommodated in a facility where they can interact with their family. Their legal representative will also be informed. This measure will permanently resolve the issue of missing individuals. Any disappearance outside this framework will be deemed genuinely missing.”

He further added that the legislation would remain in effect for six years, emphasizing a deliberate effort to undermine Balochistan’s youth. “Blaming the state is convenient,” he noted.

Subsequently, the provincial assembly enacted the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act Balochistan 2025. At that juncture, Kulsoom Niaz of the National Party attempted to speak but was denied permission, which led to her departure.