LAHORE 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 but they will also cause derogation of human rights, and called upon the parliament to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent abuse by law enforcement agencies. A statement issues by the HRCP on Wednesday said while the bill introduced in the Senate to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 is largely reproduction of the 2009 ordinance on the subject. It has several new provisions that will cause anxiety to defenders of rule of law. The HRCP understand 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 engagement of powers of police and other law enforcement agencies particularly in view of their persistent disregard of human rights and their ability to deal with crime in a scientific, non-violent manner. The Commission has called upon all members of the parliament to make every effort to ensure that human rights are not the first causality in the states questionable efforts to curb terrorism.