Balochistan, June 7 -- On June 4, the Balochistan Assembly passed the Counter-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025, triggering widespread alarm among human rights groups and the Baloch civil society.

The new law grants Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies sweeping authority to detain individuals, primarily targeting Baloch citizens, for up to 90 days without charge, based solely on suspicion.

Legal experts and human rights defenders warn that the amendment bypasses judicial safeguards and effectively legalises practices previously carried out in the shadows.

Under the amended Act, Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) can now operate with expanded powers, including the issuance of detention orders and the conduct of ideologic...