The recent amendment to Balochistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act (2025) represents a crucial legislative development aimed at addressing the complex security challenges facing the province while establishing clear protocols for detention and investigation of suspected terrorists. This analysis examines why this amendment is both timely and necessary.
Addressing the Missing Persons Narrative
For years, the issue of missing persons in Balochistan has been weaponized for political gains and propaganda purposes. While official figures from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances report 2,752 active cases, various propagandist organizations have inflated these numbers without substantial evidence, often to secure international funding and discredit state institutions.
Read more: Propaganada against Balochistan Anti-Terrorism Act 2025 exposed
The new amendment provides a clear legal framework that helps distinguish between genuine missing persons cases and those who have joined militant organizations. By establishing a structured three-month detention period with proper oversight mechanisms, the law creates transparency in the detention process and helps counter misleading propaganda.
Robust Oversight Mechanisms
The amendment introduces comprehensive oversight mechanisms that ensure accountability:
- Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs) led by senior police officers conduct inquiries
- Oversight Boards comprising civilians, military officers, mental health professionals, and criminologists monitor detainees’ conditions
- Regular assessment of detainees’ ideological disposition and psychological state.
These measures demonstrate the state’s commitment to balancing security needs with human rights considerations.
Responding to Real Security Threats
Recent events underscore the urgent need for such legislation:
- The March 2025 Jaffar Express attack resulted in 25 civilian casualties and multiple hostages
- A November 2024 suicide bombing at Quetta train station killed 26 people
- Over 650 terrorist attacks were recorded in Balochistan in 2023 alone
Foreign Involvement and Hybrid Warfare
The security situation in Balochistan is complicated by documented foreign interference. The arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav provided concrete evidence of foreign intelligence agencies’ involvement in destabilizing the region.
The amendment acknowledges this hybrid warfare context and provides appropriate tools for law enforcement agencies to counter such threats.
Rehabilitation and De-radicalization
The law’s provision for rehabilitation and de-radicalization center demonstrates a holistic approach to counterterrorism, focusing not just on detention but also on addressing the root causes of extremism and providing pathways for reform.
Countering Misinformation
Claims of “unchecked powers” are misleading, as the law establishes multiple layers of oversight through:
- Mandatory inquiry procedures
- Joint Interrogation Teams
- Civilian-military oversight boards
- Ultimate judicial review
The Balochistan Anti-Terrorism Act Amendment 2025 represents a balanced approach to addressing genuine security challenges while maintaining legal safeguards. It provides necessary tools for law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism effectively while establishing clear protocols that prevent abuse. The legislation’s focus on oversight, rehabilitation, and transparency demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to addressing security challenges within constitutional frameworks while protecting citizens’ rights.
The amendment serves as a crucial step in distinguishing between legitimate security operations and propaganda narratives, ultimately contributing to the stability and development of Balochistan. As the province continues to face serious security challenges, this legislative framework provides a necessary foundation for combating terrorism while maintaining accountability and protecting civil liberties.
