Opposition walks out as Punjab Assembly passes controversial Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2026
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Monday passed the controversial Punjab Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026, despite objections and a full walkout by opposition lawmakers. The session saw heated exchanges between government members and the opposition, centred on a debate between Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi over the legal and…
On Monday, the Punjab Assembly passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2026 despite a walkout by opposition lawmakers. The debate centered on a new Section 21AAA that would create a "special security case" mechanism, allowing a confidential officer to declare cases needing extraordinary protection. The bill's supporters argued that it would provide better protection for witnesses and targets terrorists more effectively than previous laws.
However, opposition leader Moin Riaz Qureshi condemned the bill as "draconian" and accused the ruling government of targeting political rivals. Qureshi also raised concerns about judges, prosecutors, and witnesses having their identities concealed, calling it a violation of the Constitution's guarantee for a fair trial. The opposition's amendments were rejected, and the bill was approved without their participation.
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