Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly Passes Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2026

Lahore (Terror Monitor) — The Punjab Assembly has passed the Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026, paving the way for special security arrangements and the use of advanced technology to protect judges, prosecutors, investigators and witnesses during terrorism-related trials.

The bill was introduced in the assembly by Parliamentary Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Khalid Mahmood Ranjha. All amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected.

Two amendments moved by opposition lawmakers also failed during the proceedings after opposition members staged a walkout.

According to the bill, the proposed legislation aims to make judicial proceedings in terrorism cases more secure and strengthen the legal framework for addressing security threats faced by judges, lawyers, prosecutors, police officers and witnesses.

Under the law, Anti-Terrorism Courts will be authorized to conduct trials and other judicial proceedings through secure technology. Video conferencing, electronic links and other digital means may be used in sensitive security cases, while court proceedings will also be recorded in audio and video formats.

The bill also proposes the use of voice-modification technology to conceal the identities of judges, lawyers, prosecutors, police officers and witnesses where necessary.

Under the proposed law, certain cases may be heard at secure locations, with access restricted to relevant judges, lawyers, prosecutors, witnesses and other authorized individuals. In cases involving security or logistical challenges, proceedings may also be conducted from prisons through video links.

The bill states that the existing legal framework is insufficient to ensure the secure conduct of high-security trials and that new provisions are therefore being introduced to meet modern security requirements.

The government maintains that despite these measures, constitutional guarantees relating to fair trials, human dignity and civil liberties will remain protected.

Special Security Authority

Under the legislation, the provincial government will designate an officer of Grade 20 or equivalent rank to oversee special security cases.

After consultation with the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, the designated officer will determine which cases require extraordinary security measures.

The designated authority will also be empowered to coordinate with relevant institutions, ensure implementation of the law and issue necessary directions.

The identity and details of the officer appointed to the position will be kept confidential.

The legislation is intended to provide a dedicated security framework for terrorism-related judicial proceedings while allowing courts to use secure digital technologies to reduce risks to judicial officials, legal professionals, law-enforcement personnel and witnesses.