The National Assembly on Thursday granted 120-day extension to the controversial Protection of Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) and Anti-Terrorism Ordinance.
The bill seeking extension for the ordinances was presented by Federal Minister Zahid Hamid Khan.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) principally opposed the move as both MQM and PTI believe PPO to be a “draconian law carved out to crush political parties” and which gives agencies “license to kill”. Independent MNA Jamshed Dasti and the Pakistan People’s Party also opposed the move.
If the PPO is implemented, missing persons would be considered under custody and a petition of abduction could not be filed against intelligence agencies. The ordinance also abolishes the 90 days detention bracket for producing the detainee in court.
