By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday passed the draft law Police Order 2025 by a majority vote. The opposition described the Police Amendment Order as a draconian law, arguing it grants police authority to enter any premises without a warrant.
Opposition stance:
Opposition members Waqas Maan and Nadeem Qureshi criticized the legislation, saying, “In no civilized society is such extensive power given to police. Now police can enter any place without a warrant.” They also discussed their amendments to the second draft of the law, terming it a black law.
Government stance:
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman dismissed opposition concerns as baseless. He said the government is committed to curbing crime, citing effective operations against drug dealers, encroachment groups, and criminal elements. He credited Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the significant reduction in crime, highlighting that, under her leadership, criminal groups and drug dealers were confronted for the first time.
The Panel of Chairs set Friday for discussion on a government members’ adjournment motion, demanding relief packages for farmers affected by falling agricultural prices due to the closure of the Afghan border. The meeting, chaired by Punjab Provincial Assembly Panel of Chairs Samiullah Khan, also addressed the Regulation of Kite Flying 2025 and the Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority bill.
The house passed a resolution welcoming the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team’s victory over India, presented by government member Ahsan Riaz. After completing the agenda, the panel adjourned the session till 2 pm on Friday.
Police Focus:
The Police Order 2025 expands police powers, allowing entry into homes without a warrant—a move the government says is necessary for effective crime control, while the opposition views it as excessive and potentially unconstitutional.
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