The HRCP has criticized the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024, claiming it violates citizens’ rights to due process and fair trial. The bill allows government authorities to detain individuals for three months based on vague criteria without judicial oversight. The HRCP fears this could lead to abuse of power and disproportionately affect political rivals amid rising security concerns.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised alarm over the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024, currently under consideration in the National Assembly. Calling the proposed legislation a blatant infringement of citizens’ rights to due process and fair trial, the HRCP argues that it grants the government excessive powers to detain individuals based solely on loose definitions of “credible information” or “reasonable suspicion”. According to HRCP, the bill permits the detention of individuals for up to three months without any judicial oversight. This alarming provision raises concerns that those detained could be viewed as potential threats to national security or public order without any substantial evidence. Furthermore, it fears that this could lead to abuses of power, especially in a politically charged environment. In a statement, the HRCP acknowledged the nation’s pressing need to address security issues stemming from rising militancy and violence. Nevertheless, they emphasized that preventive detention is not a viable solution, given the potential for misuse. The history of similar measures does little to inspire confidence in their fair application by the state. The HRCP further expressed trepidation over empowering armed forces to detain individuals solely on suspicion, bypassing civilian or judicial oversight. They pointed out that this undermines core constitutional guarantees found in Articles 10 and 10A, which uphold rights to due process and fair trial. Moreover, the HRCP has criticized the ambiguous language regarding detention grounds in the bill, arguing that it frames the powers in a manner that lacks precision and objectivity. This vagueness fails to meet the criteria for limiting rights as per international law, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Ultimately, concerns linger that the amendment appears to be open-ended, which could normalize exceptional circumstances instead of defining them narrowly.
The HRCP has released a statement in response to the government’s introduction of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024. This proposed legislation is seen as a severe restriction on fundamental citizens’ rights, specifically those guaranteeing due process and a fair trial. Amidst the backdrop of escalating violence and militant activities, the HRCP argues that while security is paramount, measures that infringe upon civil liberties can lead to abuse and further societal discord.
In summary, the HRCP has called for the withdrawal of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024, highlighting its potential to violate fundamental rights. The proposed law allows for indefinite detentions without proper oversight, risking misuse against citizens, particularly political opponents. The organization stresses the need for legislative measures that respect constitutional rights and align with international standards.
Original Source: www.geo.tv
