The Punjab government has approved the inclusion of a new section in the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, allowing certain terrorism cases to be declared as special security cases.
Under the amendment, a separate court procedure will be introduced for cases involving extraordinary security concerns.
The Punjab government has approved the addition of Section 21AAA to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. The new provision will allow specific terrorism cases to be categorized as special security cases where heightened protection and special legal arrangements are required.
Under the amendment, a designated authority will have the power to declare cases with extraordinary security concerns as special security cases.
The Punjab government will appoint an officer of grade 20 or above as the designated authority for this purpose.
Special judge to hear sensitive cases
In special security cases, the chief justice of the Lahore High Court will nominate a special judge from among Anti-Terrorism Court judges.
This arrangement is aimed at ensuring that sensitive terrorism cases are handled through a dedicated judicial process.
The prosecutor general of Punjab will provide a panel of five prosecutors for special security cases. The panel will assist in prosecution under the separate court procedure approved through the amendment.
Security arrangements mandatory
Special protective equipment and enhanced security arrangements will be mandatory in courts hearing special security cases.
The amendment is intended to strengthen courtroom security and ensure safer proceedings in terrorism cases involving serious security risks.
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