Punjab Assembly passes Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2026

The Punjab Assembly has passed the Anti-Terrorism Punjab Amendment Bill 2026, despite protests and a walkout by opposition lawmakers. The legislation aims to strengthen the legal system by addressing security threats faced by judges, prosecutors, investigators, and witnesses.

Key provisions of the bill include the use of modern technology to conduct secure trials. This includes video conferencing, electronic links, and voice modification technology to keep the identities of judicial officers, lawyers, and witnesses confidential. The bill also allows for hearings to be held at secure locations or via video links from prisons to ensure the safety of all participants.

Opposition leaders, including Moin Riaz Qureshi, condemned the law as “draconian,” arguing it could be used to target political rivals and crush citizens. Concerns were raised regarding a provision that allows a Grade-20 official to advise the Lahore High Court on classifying cases as “special security cases,” as well as the potential for concealing the identities of legal professionals and witnesses.