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LAHORE, August 31, 2026: The Punjab Assembly has passed the Anti-Terrorism Punjab Amendment Bill 2026, rejecting all amendments proposed by the opposition, ARY News reported.<\/strong><\/p>\n Parliamentary Secretary Khalid Mahmood Ranjha presented the Anti-Terrorism Punjab Amendment Bill 2026 before the House.<\/p>\n According to the text of the bill, the amendment proposes strengthening the legal system in view of threats faced by judges, prosecutors, investigators and witnesses.<\/p>\n The bill proposes making provisions for secure trials in anti-terrorism courts without disclosing the identities of people involved in proceedings.<\/p>\n Anti-terrorism courts will be allowed to conduct trials and judicial proceedings through secure technology. Modern technology will be used to ensure the safety of all parties involved in terrorism cases.<\/p>\n The proposed amendment aims to ensure secure judicial proceedings and protection for participants in cases. It also stresses maintaining constitutional guarantees relating to fair trial, human dignity and the security of citizens.<\/p>\n According to the bill, the existing legal framework of anti-terrorism courts is insufficient for high-security cases.<\/p>\n Special security cases will be conducted through modern technology, including video conferencing and electronic links. Proceedings will also be recorded through audio and video.<\/p>\n Voice modification technology will be used to keep the identities of judges, lawyers, prosecutors, police officers and witnesses confidential.<\/p>\n The bill proposes holding hearings of special security cases at secure locations, with access limited to relevant judges, lawyers, prosecutors, witnesses and other concerned persons.<\/p>\n Special security equipment and arrangements will also be made for the protection of people involved in such cases.<\/p>\n Due to security and logistical issues, proceedings may be conducted from prisons through video links. During virtual proceedings from prisons, the identities of judges, lawyers, prosecutors and witnesses will remain confidential.<\/p>\n The government will also be able to take further appropriate measures for the protection of special security cases. The provisions will also apply to proceedings before appellate courts.<\/p>\n The government will nominate an officer of Grade 20 or an equivalent rank for special security cases, while details of the designated authority officer will remain confidential.<\/p>\n The designated authority will perform its duties after consultation with the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and will determine which cases require extraordinary security measures.<\/p>\n The authority will coordinate with government institutions to ensure implementation of the amended law and will be able to issue necessary orders and directions.<\/p>\n According to the bill, confidentiality regarding identities and proceedings has been given fundamental importance in special security cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n