Standing Committee approves Anti-Terrorism Bill 2013

ISLAMABAD: The National Committee’s Standing Committee on Interior has approved the anti-terrorism (second amendment) 2013 bill. The committee was chaired by Abdul Qadir Patel.

According to the bill, terrorism suspects will be interrogated by an Inspector level officer while audio video recordings, phone recordings and emails could be used as evidence.

The prison sentence of individuals supporting terrorist activity has been increased from three to five years. The sentence for kidnapping for ransom and hijacking has been increased to ten years while it has also been recommended that assets of individuals involved in these activities be seized.

Organizations with new names formed from banned organizations will also be outlawed if they are involved in suspicious activity. Meanwhile individuals associated with banned organizations will not be issued passports, credit cards, bank loans and arms licences. Arms licences issued earlier will also be revoked. Representatives and workers of such organizations will also be prohibited from travelling abroad.

No court will be allowed to approve bail of individuals who have are serving death, life or ten year sentences. The detention period of suspected terrorists would not exceed 90 days but cannot be challenged in court. Individuals who assist in preparations for terrorist attacks will also be considered criminals.