ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Ministry of Interior, on Wednesday, has finalised a new anti-terrorism law by merging Protection of Pakistan Act (POPA) and Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), sources revealed on Wednesday.
The interior ministry is now discussing the legislation with the Ministry of Law & Justice.
Under the proposed bill, investigation agencies will have the power to keep suspected terrorists in their custody for up to 90 days.
POPA became ineffective after expiry of its tenure, however, the proposed law will have no fix duration.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control met to adopt Criminal law (Amendment) Act 2014 aimed at uplifting penalties for various crimes.
The amended act proposed to raise punishment for robbery by two years to five years.
Harsh words were exchanged between Chairman Standing Committee and MQM-P lawmaker Salman Baloch on Forced Eviction Bill during the meeting.
