The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern that some of the changes proposed in the anti-terrorism law are not only contrary to due process they will also cause derogation of human rights, and called upon parliament to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent abuse by law enforcement agencies. A statement issued by HRCP on Wednesday said: “While the bill introduced in the Senate to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 is largely a reproduction of the 2009 ordinance on the subject, it has several new provisions that will cause anxiety to defenders of rule of law. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan understands the need to strengthen the law to deal with terrorist activities and terrorist groups, particularly continued operation of proscribed groups under new names. However, we are seriously concerned at the enlargement of powers of police and other law enforcement agencies, particularly in view of their persistent disregard of human rights and their inability
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