Punjab Province Approves Anonymous Terrorism Trials in Pakistan

A new legal provision permits a single, unnamed official to authorize the use of anonymous judges, prosecutors and witnesses in terrorism investigations, without any prescribed time limit for such measures. The regulation, which applies exclusively to cases classified as terrorism, grants the designated authority the power to conceal the identities of judicial and investigative personnel in order to protect their safety and the integrity of ongoing operations.

The measure has been incorporated into recent amendments to the country's anti‑terrorism framework, aiming to address concerns about threats to officials handling sensitive cases. Critics have raised questions about oversight and accountability, noting that the lack of a defined duration and the anonymity of the decision‑maker could affect transparency in the judicial process. Authorities maintain that the provision is intended to enhance security while enabling effective prosecution of terrorism‑related offenses.