The Punjab Assembly has approved major changes to the province’s Anti-Terror Law framework.
The legislation allows high-security terrorism cases to follow special confidentiality measures. These measures can protect the identities of judges, prosecutors, police officers, lawyers and witnesses.
The Punjab Assembly passed the Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026 despite strong opposition from lawmakers. Opposition members proposed amendments to the bill, but their suggestions were rejected.
The amendment introduces Section 21AAA into the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. It establishes a special mechanism for cases classified as “special security cases.”
Under the new Anti-Terror Law provisions, authorities can apply special measures when participants face serious security threats. These measures can cover trials, investigations and other judicial proceedings.
A major feature allows authorities to keep the identities of key participants confidential. Their names can be replaced with official designations or specially assigned identities.
Witnesses can receive specific codes instead of their names. Orders issued during proceedings can also avoid revealing personal identities.
The names of judges and public prosecutors assigned to these cases will not appear in the Official Gazette. The complete trial and inquiry records will remain sealed.
These records will be securely maintained by the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and the designated authority.
The legislation also creates a new designated authority. The provincial government will nominate an officer of at least BS-20 rank.
The officer’s identity and credentials will remain confidential. Details will only be communicated to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court.
The designated authority will determine whether cases require extraordinary security protection. It will also decide which cases should use the special mechanism.
The authority will coordinate with the provincial government and consult the Chief Justice. It can also issue directions needed to implement the new system.
For designated cases, the Chief Justice can assign proceedings to an Anti-Terrorism Court judge. This assignment will follow a request from the designated authority.
The Prosecutor General of the Punjab Criminal Prosecution Service will provide five eligible prosecutors. The designated authority will select one prosecutor from that panel.
The Anti-Terror Law changes also permit proceedings through modern technology. Courts can use video conferencing and electronic communication systems.
Audio-video recording can also be used during proceedings. Voice-modification technology may protect the identities of participants.
Prison-Based Hearings
The legislation allows special-security cases to be heard at protected locations. Access will be limited to authorized judges, lawyers, prosecutors and witnesses.
Secure premises can include equipment and technology considered necessary for protection. The law also allows hearings to take place virtually from prisons.
Virtual hearings can be arranged when security or logistical concerns prevent physical proceedings. Such hearings will follow instructions issued by the designated authority.
The confidentiality provisions can also apply to appellate proceedings. Necessary changes can be made when applying these protections before higher courts.
The government says the Anti-Terror Law changes address security concerns surrounding terrorism trials. The bill cites threats and intimidation faced by judges and other participants.
It also highlights risks involving prosecutors, investigators and witnesses. The government argues that existing legislation lacks sufficient mechanisms for exceptionally sensitive cases.
The new framework therefore aims to strengthen security during terrorism-related proceedings. It also seeks to reduce risks faced by people involved in high-security cases.
However, the confidential nature of the system could draw further attention. The framework allows significant parts of participants’ identities and records to remain protected.
The passage of the bill marks a major change in Punjab’s approach to terrorism trials. Its implementation will determine how the new security mechanism operates in practice.
Authorities will now be responsible for establishing procedures under the amended Anti-Terror Law. The designated authority will play a central role in applying the new provisions.
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