Punjab Assembly Speaker Halts Anti-Terrorism Bill Amid Opposition Concerns

Proceedings on the Anti-Terrorism (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026 were halted in the Punjab Assembly after opposition lawmaker Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan raised significant objections. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan deferred further discussion, citing constitutional and procedural grounds, including the provincial legislature's competence to pass such legislation.

The Punjab government's proposed bill seeks to introduce sweeping changes to the existing anti-terrorism law. A key provision would allow terrorism cases to be tried under a highly confidential regime. This includes the potential to keep the identities of judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and witnesses secret, raising concerns about transparency and due process.

Rana Aftab, a lawmaker from the PTI party, strongly criticized the bill, labeling it "unconstitutional." He emphasized the importance of open and fair trials in terrorism cases, arguing that the proposed secrecy undermines these fundamental principles. Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal countered that the standing committee had thoroughly discussed the bill and suggested that objections should have been raised during that stage.

The bill aims to insert a new Section 21AAA into the Anti-Terrorism Act. The debate highlights a tension between the government's desire to enhance security measures against terrorism and the opposition's insistence on upholding legal safeguards and fair trial rights.

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unconstitutional