The provincial administration of Punjab announced the implementation of a new procedural rule that permits terrorism cases to be heard behind closed doors. The measure, presented as a response to security concerns and the need to protect witnesses, allows courts to restrict public and media access to trial proceedings.
According to Al Jazeera, the ordinance stipulates that certain evidence and testimonies may be classified as confidential, limiting the defense's ability to challenge them publicly. The government argues that the secrecy is essential to prevent intimidation of witnesses and to safeguard national security interests.
Human‑rights organisations have condemned the policy, asserting that it undermines fundamental fair‑trial guarantees enshrined in Pakistan's constitution. Critics contend that the lack of transparency could lead to miscarriages of justice and set a precedent for broader curtailment of civil liberties.
Opposition politicians have also voiced opposition, describing the rule as an attempt to bypass judicial oversight. They have called for a parliamentary debate on the legality and scope of the secret trial provisions, warning that the approach could be misused against political dissidents.
Legal experts cited by the outlet note that similar mechanisms exist in other jurisdictions but are typically subject to strict safeguards and periodic review. In Punjab's case, the new framework does not appear to include an independent oversight body, raising further concerns about accountability.
The provincial government maintains that the initiative is a temporary measure aimed at addressing the surge in terrorism‑related incidents that have strained the criminal justice system. It has indicated that the rule will be reviewed after a specified period, though no definitive timeline has been disclosed.
The development arrives as Pakistan continues to grapple with internal security challenges while navigating international scrutiny over its human‑rights record. Observers will be monitoring how the secret trial provision is applied in upcoming cases and whether it prompts similar legislative actions in other provinces.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/3/pakistans-punjab-allows-secret-terrorism-trials-why-its-controversial?traffic_source=rss.