By Our Correspondent
LAHORE | June 28, 2026 – A proposed law aimed at tackling habitual offenders and anti-social behaviour has triggered intense debate in the Punjab Assembly, with lawmakers raising concerns over its broad enforcement powers and potential impact on civil liberties. The legislation, titled the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen the government’s ability to combat organised crime, public disorder, and digital offences, but opposition members argue that several provisions require greater legal safeguards.
The issue gained prominence during the Punjab Assembly session when Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed surprise after learning that the bill had already been approved by the Standing Committee on Law. The Speaker questioned how the legislation had progressed without his knowledge and directed the Assembly Secretariat to clarify the matter, indicating that procedural concerns would also be reviewed.
Opposition lawmakers argued that the proposed legislation grants extensive administrative powers that could affect fundamental rights if implemented without sufficient judicial oversight. They warned that future governments could potentially misuse such authority against political opponents or ordinary citizens.
Under the proposed framework, intelligence committees would be established at provincial, divisional, and district levels to identify individuals suspected of habitual criminal activity or anti-social behaviour. These committees would assess information gathered by law enforcement agencies and recommend administrative measures designed to prevent criminal activities before they escalate.
Among the proposed powers are the authority to recommend freezing bank accounts, restricting financial transactions, confiscating electronic devices, blocking access to online accounts, removing digital content, suspending travel documents, and initiating electronic monitoring of individuals declared habitual offenders through legal procedures.
The bill also proposes the creation of a centralized Punjab Habitual Offenders Registry containing biometric information, fingerprints, photographs, and DNA records of repeat offenders convicted or repeatedly arrested in specified criminal cases. Authorities argue that such a database would improve coordination between law enforcement agencies and strengthen crime prevention efforts.
The legislation identifies a broad range of activities as anti-social behaviour, including illegal gambling, narcotics-related offences, extortion, robbery, illegal weapons displays, aerial firing, online blackmail, hate speech, impersonating public officials, fraudulent fundraising, and the deliberate spread of disinformation through digital platforms.
For repeat offenders, courts could authorize electronic monitoring devices following police applications supported by public prosecutors. Individuals who violate monitoring requirements or deliberately damage tracking devices would face significant prison terms and financial penalties under the proposed law.
Government officials maintain that the legislation aims to modernize outdated legal provisions inherited from the colonial era while providing authorities with stronger tools to address contemporary criminal networks and cyber-related offences. The draft proposes replacing century-old legislation, including laws governing habitual offenders and public disorder, with a unified legal framework better suited to present-day security challenges.
Despite these objectives, opposition members insist that stronger judicial supervision should accompany any expanded enforcement powers. They argue that decisions involving financial restrictions, electronic surveillance, or limitations on personal freedoms should remain subject to independent court approval wherever possible.
Legal observers note that many countries have strengthened surveillance and crime prevention laws in response to evolving security threats. However, they emphasize that effective oversight mechanisms remain essential to maintaining public confidence and protecting constitutional rights.
The proposed legislation includes an appeals process allowing affected individuals to challenge administrative decisions before higher intelligence committees, an executive appellate body, and an independent tribunal headed by a retired district and sessions judge. Supporters say these safeguards are intended to prevent misuse of authority while ensuring accountability.
The bill has not yet completed the legislative process, and further debate is expected before any final decision is taken by the Punjab Assembly. Lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches are expected to propose amendments addressing concerns over transparency, due process, and judicial oversight.
As discussions continue, the proposed law has become one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation in Punjab, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing stronger crime prevention measures with the protection of individual rights and democratic accountability.
