The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed significant concerns regarding the Punjab Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2026. The commission warns that the proposed changes could undermine constitutional protections and grant the government excessive powers under the guise of enhancing security. This warning was highlighted in a report by Dawn.
Under the amended framework, an officer authorised by the government, whose identity would remain confidential, could make such a designation. The most contentious aspect of the legislation is that once a case receives the special-security classification, the identities of judges, prosecutors, police officials, witnesses and defence lawyers could also be kept secret. The HRCP argues that the law fails to establish sufficiently precise conditions governing when these extraordinary measures may be invoked. In its assessment, this lack of clarity could create opportunities for the provisions to be applied beyond genuinely sensitive security matters, including against ordinary citizens, political opponents or people taking part in protests. The commission has acknowledged that the state has a legitimate duty to protect judges, investigators and other officials who face credible threats. However, it has questioned whether the government has demonstrated a compelling need for such extensive secrecy. These provisions concern the security of individuals, the right to a fair trial and the protection of human dignity.
The HRCP stated that the legislation raises constitutional questions, particularly in relation to Articles 9, 10A and 14. The Commission has also referred to Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees fundamental fair-trial protections, as highlighted by Dawn.
HRCP expressed concern over provisions allowing certain proceedings to be classified as “special security cases”, according to Dawn.
