Overview
- The Punjab Assembly approved the Punjab Anti‑Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026 after opposition members protested and walked out of the session.
- The law inserts Section 21AAA into the 1997 Anti‑Terrorism Act to create a 'special security case' category for matters deemed to need extraordinary protection.
- A designated confidential officer of grade BS‑20 or higher may classify a case or class of cases and request that the Lahore High Court chief justice assign it to an Anti‑Terrorism Court judge.
- The amendment allows concealment of identities for judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, police and witnesses through coded IDs and anonymous judicial titles and permits hearings at secure sites or by video link.
- Critics say the measures violate the constitutional right to a fair trial under Article 10‑A and allege potential political misuse, making legal challenges and sustained political opposition likely next steps.