LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government has approved the addition of a new Section 21AAA to the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, introducing a separate judicial procedure for high-risk terrorism cases.
The amendment establishes a special framework for cases involving extraordinary security concerns and introduces a separate judicial procedure for high-risk terrorism cases.
Under the proposed amendment, selected terrorism cases may be declared Special Security Cases. A designated authority will be empowered to classify cases as Special Security Cases where exceptional security threats are identified.
For such cases, the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court will nominate a special judge from among Anti-Terrorism Court judges to hear the proceedings. The amendment also provides for a dedicated prosecution mechanism.
In Special Security Cases, the Prosecutor General Punjab will submit a panel comprising five prosecutors, from which the designated authority will appoint one prosecutor to conduct the case.
To enhance the safety of witnesses, individuals appearing in court will be assigned specific identification codes instead of using their real names. The names of judges and prosecutors handling Special Security Cases will not be published in the official gazette.
The amendment further provides that the complete judicial record of terrorism cases will be sealed and kept in the custody of the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court. Technology capable of altering voices may also be used to conceal the identities of witnesses where necessary.
Proceedings in Special Security Cases will be conducted only at secure locations. Courts hearing such cases will be required to maintain special security equipment and enhanced protective arrangements.
The proposed law also allows virtual trials from prisons in situations involving security or logistical challenges. In addition, the provisions relating to Special Security Cases may be extended to appellate courts hearing related matters.
According to the amendment, the Punjab government will appoint a Grade-20 or higher officer as the designated authority. The authority will be empowered to consult the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court regarding relevant matters.
The designated authority will have the power to determine whether a case qualifies as a Special Security Case. It will also be responsible for coordinating with the government and overseeing the implementation of the special security framework introduced under the amendment.