ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf approved the Fair Trial Act 2012 pertaining to counter terrorism here on Wednesday, DawnNews reported.

According to the Act, all communication content, emails, telephonic conversations, text messages and posts could be used as evidence against terrorists. The Act also aims at tackling those involved in aiding at abetting terrorist outfits.

Under the Act, strict action would be taken against those who harass others through telephones and mobile phones.

According to sources, the proposal to increase reserved seats for minorities in the assemblies was also passed during the cabinet session.

During the session, a proposal for strict action against power theft and against those who harm electrical property was also passed.

Those involved in power theft and in harming transmission lines would be arrested without a warrant. The cabinet also proposed that the accused should receive sentences ranging from six months to three years, as well as fines as punishment.