Punjab, Pakistan Enacts Law for Secret Terrorism Trials

A law allowing near-total secrecy in terrorism trials has been passed by politicians in Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. This law permits anonymous judges, prosecutors, and witnesses, enabling convictions without the accused knowing who presided over their case or testified against them. The Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026 was approved by the Punjab Assembly on August 31, following a walkout by opposition politicians in protest. The government had previously suggested a review of the bill but ultimately passed it unchanged. Critics, including opposition politicians, lawyers, and rights groups, argue that the law centralizes power in an unnamed official and could be misused against government critics. The law allows a senior bureaucrat to be appointed as a “designated authority” to determine which cases fall under its provisions, with their identity kept confidential. The designated authority can classify any terrorism case as a “special security case” without clear parameters, and the accused cannot contest this designation. All parties involved in the trial, including judges and witnesses, will have their identities concealed, and hearings may occur via videolink with voice-altering technology. The law does not specify an expiration date and allows the government to adopt further measures without additional legislation. Proponents of the law cite rising threats to judges and prosecutors as justification, while critics argue it undermines the right to a fair trial and grants excessive power to an unelected official. Legal experts have expressed concerns that the law could lead to abuse against ordinary citizens and political opponents. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also raised alarms about the lack of clarity in the circumstances under which these powers can be invoked. The law is seen as a continuation of previous legislation that has been criticized for misuse against political opponents. The situation in Punjab is contrasted with regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which experience higher rates of terrorism-related incidents. Opposition politicians have indicated that the law may conflict with constitutional fair trial guarantees and question the provincial assembly's authority to legislate on matters that fall under federal jurisdiction. The future of the law is likely to be determined in court, as it lacks a sunset clause.