ISLAMABAD: A petitioner has challenged the controversial Protection of Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) — a sweeping new anti-terror law — in the Supreme Court today, DawnNews reported.

The petitioner Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi presented his stance in the application saying that the administration had been devolved judicial powers in the ordinance.

It said that the PPO was a blow to the fundamental rights of citizens and that it conflicted with the Constitution of Pakistan.

The petition said that the court should summon all records pertaining to the PPO.

The bill was passed late on Monday amid protests from members of parliament and condemnation from international rights groups such as Amnesty International.

The law grants sweeping powers of arrest and detention to Pakistan's already powerful security forces.

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