In a recent statement, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Affairs announced amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) aimed at helping address Pakistan’s longstanding issue of missing persons. These adjustments, he explained, are part of a broader strategy to establish greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement practices.
The adviser emphasized that the government is taking proactive steps to ensure that individuals reported missing are properly documented and tracked through a streamlined process. He also highlighted how the new provisions would reinforce the rights of citizens and improve procedural checks within the justice system. By requiring stricter oversight during detention procedures, the amendments seek to limit unauthorized detainments, a common grievance linked to disappearances in certain regions.
Public reaction to these proposed changes has been largely positive, with human rights organizations cautiously optimistic about the government’s willingness to address such a critical issue. However, activists are urging the administration to implement the changes without delay, stressing that each day counts for the families of the missing. They’ve also called for an independent oversight body to ensure full accountability and assess the effectiveness of these new policies.
The adviser concluded by underscoring the government’s commitment to uphold human rights and public trust. These ATA amendments, he noted, represent an important step toward ending an issue that has haunted many families across the country and damaged public confidence in state institutions.
