ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to introduce 65 amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Law 1997 to provide protection to security forces and sensitive installations. In a meeting with President Asif Zardari, Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani stressed the need for an effective counter-terrorism law. Federal Law Minister Farooq Naek was present. Under the amended law, the arms licences of activists of banned outfits will be cancelled and they will be asked to deposit their weapons to area police stations. The government will be empowered to detain suspected terrorists for 90 days and the detention cannot be challenged in courts. After extracting information from them, officers will have authority to arrest more suspects and search properties.
Lavrov to lead UN talks on Afghanistan
New York: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will chair a UN debate on Afghanistan later this month. The 15-nation Security Council will meet on March 19 to renew the mandate of the UN mission in Afghanistan by an additional year and discuss the situation in the country, Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, said. Russia took over the rotating presidency of the council earlier this month.
Acid conviction rate triples in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Few have much faith in Pakistan’s courts, campaigners say, adding that the conviction rate for acid attacks has tripled since tough new penalties were signed into law in late 2011. Dozens of people, mostly women and children, are disfigured every year by one of the most brutal forms of domestic violence in a country where women are often treated as second-class citizens. The government, which will this month become the first in Pakistan to complete a full-term in office, for passing legislation in support of human rights, even if immense challenges remain in implementation. Parliament outlawed domestic violence last year. In 2011, it introduced a minimum sentence of 14 years in jail and a fine of one million rupees ($10,000) for those found guilty of throwing acid.
Eight militants killed in Upper Orakzai
Islamabad: Eight militants were killed in search operations by Pakistani security forces at Mamoonzai in Upper Orakzai. Four security men and one officer were wounded, Geo News said, adding forces took control of the Targhor area.
Security beefed up at intelligence units
Islamabad: Security at Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offices across the country has been beefed up following terror threats. After threats were received, FIA was directed to improve security at its offices and check-posts, Dunya News said. The FIA director general also asked officers and other staff to improve their security.
40kg explosives defused in Quetta
Islamabad: A Pakistani bomb disposal squad defused 40kg of explosive materials in Quetta, Geo News said. Police called in the squad after they intercepted a rickshaw on the Sariab Road. The squad defused the explosives planted in the CNG cylinder of the vehicle. Sources said intelligence agencies had alerted the Quetta administration on terror acts through rickshaws. AGENCIES
