Islamabad, Pakistan — Pakistan’s Punjab Province has passed a controversial law that allows terrorism trials to be conducted in near-total secrecy, permitting the anonymity of judges, prosecutors, and witnesses. The Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026, passed by the Provincial Assembly on August 31, 2026, allows for convictions to occur without the accused knowing the identity of those involved in their prosecution or judgment.

The legislation empowers a single, unnamed official, known only to the chief justice of the Lahore High Court, to designate terrorism cases as "special security cases." This designation, based on a need for "protection" of involved parties, can be applied to individual cases or entire categories without the accused having the right to contest it. This move has ignited widespread criticism from opposition politicians, legal experts, and human rights organizations.

Under the new provisions, once a case is designated, the chief justice assigns an anti-terrorism court judge. A panel of prosecutors is selected, and the designated authority chooses one. Crucially, the identities of the judge, prosecutor, police officers, witnesses, and even defense lawyers are to remain undisclosed throughout the proceedings. Participants will be referred to by official titles, and court orders will be signed without revealing the signatory's name.

The implications of this law are far-reaching, with critics warning of its potential for abuse and the erosion of fundamental legal principles. The ability to conduct trials in such secrecy raises significant concerns about due process, transparency, and the potential for the legislation to be used against government opponents or critics. The lack of defined parameters for designating "special security cases" further amplifies these worries.

Opposition politicians staged a walkout during the bill's passage, protesting the government's apparent reversal on a previous commitment to review the legislation. Four days prior, assurances were given that the bill would be examined by the law department or a parliamentary committee. However, the bill returned to the assembly unchanged and was subsequently passed without amendment.

Further complicating the process, hearings can be conducted via videolink, potentially from within prisons, and voice-altering technology may be employed to disguise participants. The trial record will be sealed and jointly held by the chief justice and the designated authority. Appeals could potentially be heard by judges who were not privy to the original trial proceedings or identities.

Legal analysts have pointed out that the law does not specify the duration for these special provisions, meaning trials could remain secret indefinitely. The absence of clear criteria for designating cases as "special security cases" also leaves room for arbitrary application.

Human rights groups have voiced alarm, citing the potential for the law to undermine fair trial rights and increase the risk of miscarriages of justice. The concentration of significant power in an anonymous official, coupled with the lack of transparency, is seen as a dangerous precedent that could have a chilling effect on dissent and legal recourse in Punjab.