Pakistan’s Punjab allows ‘secret’ terrorism trials: Why it’s controversial
Summary
Punjab, Pakistan’s biggest province, passed a law allowing terrorism trials to happen in almost complete secrecy. Under this law, judges, prosecutors, witnesses, and others involved in the trial can stay anonymous, and accused people might not know who is judging or testifying against them.Key Facts
- The law was passed by Punjab’s Assembly on August 31, 2026, despite opposition protests.
- Judges, prosecutors, witnesses, and defense lawyers in these trials must remain anonymous and use official titles or codes instead of real names.
- The government can seal trial records, and appeals can be decided by judges who do not know about the original trial judges.
- A senior government official, whose identity is secret and known only to the chief justice, decides which cases get special secret trial status.
- The law allows trials to be held by video link, sometimes with altered voices to protect identities.
- There is no clear limit on when the law will end, and the government may add more powers without new laws.
- Supporters say the law is needed to protect those involved in terrorism trials because of rising threats from violent groups.
- Critics warn that the law gives too much power to one official and could be used to target government critics or political opponents.
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