ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly today [Jan 31] passed the Suppression of Terrorist Activities (Special Courts) Bill — a new law the Government side said was essential to curb the menace of urban guerrillas. The House held two sittings … to complete the second and third readings of the Bill, already passed by the Senate with some amendments in the original draft which was based on an already-enforced Presidential Ordinance. All the 13 amendments moved from the Opposition … were rejected. …

Education Minister Abdul Hafeez Pirzada … said the Government was actually dealing with a phenomenon of urban guerrilla — a trend on the increase all over the world. … He said acts of urban guerrilla were more serious than those of ordinary guerrilla. The urban guerrilla acted in the heart of population without discrimination. …

He refuted the Opposition argument that bail under the Bill was not possible and pointed out that in several cases before the Special Courts already functioning, accused had been granted bail. Regarding the burden of proof on the accused, he said a man found in possession of dangerous material should explain his position.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2025