Balochistan Assembly Passes Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill Amid Heated Debate

The **Balochistan Assembly**, chaired by Speaker **Abdul Khaliq**, passed the **Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill** after a detailed session marked by intense debate and serious concerns from opposition members.

**Assembly member Shahida Rauf** called for a **re-evaluation of the amended bill**, expressing concerns about its implications and demanding further scrutiny before final implementation.

Addressing the session, **Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti** emphasized that **terrorism has become a grave threat** to the province and accused certain elements of attempting to **malign state institutions**. He announced that individuals involved in terrorism would be **arrested and held in detention centers**, with efforts also being made toward **their rehabilitation**.

On the **issue of missing persons**, Bugti adopted a firm stance, stating that the matter will be **permanently resolved**. “If someone is still missing now, they will be considered to have disappeared voluntarily,” he declared. “Blaming the state is easy, but the state must now take strong and decisive action.”

Following the passage of the amendment bill, the Balochistan Assembly session was **adjourned indefinitely**.

The newly passed legislation is expected to **tighten enforcement mechanisms** and **enhance the government’s authority** in counterterrorism operations, but also raises **critical human rights concerns** among various political and civil society circles.