Senators on Friday voiced strong objections to the government’s decision to grant the army and civil armed forces in Balochistan enhanced powers, allowing them to detain terrorism suspects for up to three months. This move comes after the federal cabinet approved an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 1997 to strengthen counterterrorism efforts.
Lawmakers expressed concern that these sweeping powers could exacerbate tensions, particularly in light of recent coordinated attacks in Balochistan. Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi of the National Party highlighted the risks of granting security forces the authority to conduct house searches without warrants, warning that such measures could worsen the already volatile situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Buledi, along with other senators, argued that the legislation would effectively legalize enforced disappearances, further inflaming public unrest. He cited the unresolved issue of missing persons in Balochistan as a major concern and criticized the government for potentially misusing its majority in parliament to push through the amendment.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan of the Awami National Party also rejected the move, suggesting it could be challenged in the Supreme Court for violating fundamental rights. Other lawmakers, including JUI-F’s Kamran Murtaza, decried the discriminatory treatment of Balochistan residents and warned that the region was becoming a “no-go area.”
Opposition leader Shibli Faraz accused the ruling coalition of passing anti-democratic legislation, further fueling the debate over the expansion of military powers in the troubled province.
