Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, has passed a controversial law allowing terrorism cases to be conducted in near-total secrecy, raising concerns among lawyers, opposition politicians and human rights groups.
The Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026, approved by the Punjab Assembly on August 31, permits the identities of judges, prosecutors, police officers, witnesses and defence lawyers involved in designated terrorism cases to remain confidential.
Under the new law, an unnamed senior government official can designate a terrorism case as a “special security case” if they believe those involved require protection. The official’s identity is known only to the chief justice of the Lahore High Court.
Once a case receives the special designation, court participants may be identified only by official titles or codes. Hearings can also be conducted through video links, including from prisons, while voice-altering technology may be used to conceal participants’ identities.
Court records can be sealed, and even appeal proceedings could take place without revealing the identity of the judge who handled the original case.
Government’s justification
The Punjab government says the measures are necessary because of threats against judges, prosecutors, investigators and witnesses involved in terrorism cases.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the law is designed to protect those handling cases involving dangerous armed groups and prevent intimidation from undermining prosecutions.
However, critics say the legislation gives excessive authority to an unelected official and lacks sufficient safeguards against abuse.
Critics warn of possible political misuse
Constitutional lawyers and opposition lawmakers have argued that the law could undermine the constitutional right to a fair trial.
Lawyer Rida Hosain said the secrecy provisions could prevent defendants from challenging judicial bias and ensuring an impartial trial.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also warned that the law does not clearly establish when the extraordinary powers can be used, potentially creating opportunities for the provisions to be applied against ordinary citizens, protesters or political opponents.
Opposition legislator Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti said the legislation effectively allows the executive branch to determine what a fair trial should look like.
Questions over why Punjab needs the law
Critics have also questioned the timing of the legislation because Punjab experiences significantly fewer terrorism-related deaths than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which together account for the overwhelming majority of Pakistan’s terrorism fatalities.
They argue that existing laws already allow courts to protect witnesses and conduct closed hearings when necessary.
Legal challenge expected
A legal challenge to the new law is expected, with opponents arguing that it conflicts with constitutional fair-trial protections and may exceed the authority of a provincial assembly.
Unlike some previous counterterrorism measures, the new legislation has no expiry or sunset clause, meaning it will remain in force unless it is repealed or struck down by the courts.
The controversy has therefore intensified concerns over the balance between protecting people involved in terrorism prosecutions and preserving defendants’ fundamental rights.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: