The Anti-Terrorism (Third Amendment) Bill 2013, recently signed by the president Mamnoon Hussain, and passed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, is definitely praiseworthy. In the past, modern technology was seen as a threat to the country’s safety and the government resorted to banning in many cases. But finally they have accepted the fact that the use of technology is inevitable and will help the nation in facing the serious threat posed by the terrorists. Using electronic data as evidence in courts, as well as using new methods in conducting court trials to ensure protection of judges, prosecutors and witnesses will definitely produce good results. While technology will be of considerable help, it is important that check and balance is kept so that the new amendment bill is not exploited by law enforcement agencies, officials or terrorists. Only this way the integrity of the bill can be maintained”.   
SARWAT AMIN RATTANI,
Karachi, October 13.