Cabinet approves anti-terrorism amendment bill (initial story)
- September 20, 2013, 7:16 pm
- National News
- 80 Views
ISLAMABAD, Sept 20 (ONline): The Federal Cabinet approved the draft of amendments in the anti-terrorism bill on Friday.
The bill was presented by Federal Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid and calls for terrorists to be held accountable at all costs.
Witnesses and prosecutors in cases related to terrorism should also be provided security. The support of intelligence and security agencies can be taken during interrogation of terrorism suspects. The bill also includes an amendment for swift proceedings in terrorism cases, while suspects in such cases can be held in custody for 90 days.
The bill is aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism and giving more powers to Rangers. It also provides ensuring protection of witnesses in terrorism cases.
Prime Minister Nawaz Shairf at the beginning of the meeting said that the targeted operation in Karachi was yielding positive results.
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif expressing satisfaction over the ongoing targeted action in Karachi to bring peace there. He hoped positive outcome from this action as common man is satisfied with the targeted action.
He directed the federal government institutions to ensure full cooperation with the Sindh government to restore law and order in Karachi.
The Prime Minister taking strong notice of the absence of some federal ministers from the National Assembly and Senate has said that strict action will be taken against those ministers who will not be present in the concerned House to respond questions fo parliamentarains.
During the cabinet meeting� the issue was raised by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan who said that absence of the ministers from the Parliamentary session casts bad name to the government and this practice should be checked.
The Prime Minister said that it is responsibility of the ministers to ensure their presence in both the houses of the parliament and respond to the queries of the members regarding public and national issues.
