Pakistan‘s Punjab Assembly has passed controversial amendments allowing certain terrorism cases to be heard under sweeping secrecy provisions, including the anonymity of judges, prosecutors, witnesses and defence lawyers.
The Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed on August 31 after opposition legislators walked out in protest. Critics have warned that the legislation could undermine fair-trial protections and create opportunities for political misuse.
Law allows identities to remain hidden
Under the new provisions, a senior bureaucrat appointed as a ‘designated authority’ can classify a terrorism case, or a category of cases, as a ‘special security case’ when those involved are considered to require protection.
The official’s identity will remain confidential and will reportedly be known only to the chief justice of the Lahore High Court.
Once a case receives the special classification, the identities of the judge, prosecutor, police officers, witnesses and defence lawyers cannot be disclosed. Witnesses may be identified through codes, while hearings can be conducted through video links with voice-altering technology.
Court records can also be sealed, with orders signed without publicly identifying the judge who issued them.
Government cites security concerns
The Punjab government has justified the changes by pointing to threats faced by judges, prosecutors, investigators and witnesses amid continuing militant violence in Pakistan.
Supporters of the legislation argue that stronger protections are necessary to prevent intimidation and ensure terrorism cases can proceed.
However, critics say the law does not clearly establish the circumstances under which the extraordinary provisions can be invoked.
Lawyers and rights groups raise concerns
Constitutional lawyers and opposition politicians have questioned whether secret proceedings are compatible with the right to a fair trial.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also warned that the broad provisions could potentially be used against ordinary citizens, political opponents or protesters in the name of security.
Critics have further pointed out that existing laws already allow courts to protect witnesses and conduct closed hearings when necessary.
Legal challenge could follow
Opposition politicians are expected to challenge the legislation, arguing that it undermines constitutional safeguards and may exceed the provincial assembly’s authority over terrorism legislation.
The law contains no sunset clause, meaning it will not automatically expire after a fixed period.
The controversy comes despite Punjab accounting for only a small share of Pakistan’s terrorism-related deaths, with the overwhelming majority of such fatalities occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The legislation has therefore triggered a wider debate over whether extraordinary security measures can protect those involved in terrorism prosecutions without weakening the basic principles of an open and fair justice system.