Judge Recuses Himself from Hearing Plea Challenging Approval of Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill

LAHORE: Justice Amjad Parvez has recused himself from hearing a petition challenging the approval of the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2026 passed by the Punjab Assembly.

After recusing himself from the case, Justice Amjad Parvez sent the file back to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court for further proceedings.

The petition was filed by lawyer Yousaf Wain, who has pleaded with the court to declare the amendment bill unconstitutional and illegal.

During the hearing, Justice Amjad Parvez said that he had been serving as Advocate General Punjab when the bill was being drafted. Following his recusal, the court returned the case file to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court.

The petitioner argued that under the amendment, the names and identities of the judge, prosecution and witnesses would not be disclosed during the trial. He contended that the provision was against the Constitution and that the amendment bill should therefore be declared illegal.