Govt decides to grant special powers to security forces in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to grant special powers to the army and civil armed forces in light of the precarious security situation in Balochistan, allowing them to preemptively detain individuals suspected of terrorism.

According to Dawn News, the federal cabinet has decided to grant special powers to the Pakistan army, civil armed forces by amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

According to sources, legislation will be made to amend Section XI EEAE (11EEEE) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, which will provide legal protection to the security forces for more effective operations against terrorism.

Also read: Five terrorists killed in Balochistan districts

Sources have said that the security forces will be able to pre-emptively detain anyone suspected of terrorism.

After the amendment to the law and joint investigation teams comprising personnel of intelligence agencies and law enforcers will be formed.

The sources said that individuals posing a threat to national security will be detained, while Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) will conduct thorough investigations and gather information about terrorists.