ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Tuesday passed with majority the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2013 which would enable law enforcement agencies to take effective action against financiers of terrorism in Pakistan.

Law Minister Farooq H Naek presented the bill, which was opposed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) leader Senator Abdul Ghafoor Hyderi who sought deferment of the bill so that some necessary amendments could be made for making it more effective.

However, JUI-F leaders staged a walkout when the bill was voted upon and was passed.

The bill amends the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. It now needs to be signed by President Asif Ali Zardari to become an act.

The bill empowers government authorities to take action against elements involved in financing terrorism in Pakistan. It also allows for confiscation of property owned by financiers of terrorist elements.

Previously, the NA had unanimously passed the Anti-Terrorism Bill 2013 on Feb 20, aiming to remove shortcomings in provisions against terrorism-financing.