Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) vs Section 302 PPC: Does a private feud murder targeting an off-duty officer constitute terrorism?

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2026 S C M R 972

The Supreme Court of Pakistan in the case of 2026 SCMR 972 (Sajjad alias Kala v. The State) clarified that serious violence systematically targeting law enforcement agencies, even if stemming from a private feud or enmity, acquires the character of terrorism when it targets those upholding the rule of law. The Court held that if any harm is caused to an official (such as an assault on police custody) even outside their official duty hours on account of their official role, it is treated as terrorism. Such actions fall squarely under Section 6(1)(m) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, and the trial court is fully authorized to prosecute and sentence the accused under the ATA alongside Section 302(b) PPC.