Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026

Rights activists and lawyers in Pakistan warn that the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, could lead to mass repression, preemptive punishment, and the targeting of dissenters, arguing it redefines criminality to include unproven accusations and challenges to state narratives.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan held a second meeting in a week to discuss legislative issues, emphasizing inclusive legislation and mutual coordination between treasury and opposition members. They addressed prison reforms and the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, while also praising initiatives like the 'Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar' scheme.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met with Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan to address controversies involving the scrutiny of police conduct and a disputed bill. The meeting aimed to resolve misunderstandings and reaffirm collaboration between the two officials.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a redraft of the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2026 due to opposition. The bill will be revised by the law department and resubmitted to the Assembly. The session also saw protests over medical negligence and a hostel takeover, alongside the passage of resolutions on water scarcity, anti-drug campaigns, and digital governance.

The Punjab Assembly debated the controversial Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, with the opposition accusing it of violating constitutional rights and freedom of expression. The bill, which includes provisions for electronic tracking of habitual criminals and specialized committees to address public safety, has been criticized for expanding executive authority and limiting judicial oversight.

Punjab's proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, grants executive powers to freeze bank accounts, seize property, and impose electronic surveillance based on intelligence committee assessments. Critics, including activists and former Citigroup executive Yousuf Nazar, argue the law undermines due process, resembles colonial-era practices, and concentrates authority in non-independent bodies.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed surprise upon learning the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026 had been approved by the standing committee. The bill allows executive actions like freezing bank accounts and electronic surveillance based on intelligence assessments, sparking opposition concerns over human rights and political misuse.

The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, which grants executive powers to freeze bank accounts, seize property, and impose surveillance based on intelligence assessments. The bill draws parallels to colonial-era laws like the 1871 Criminal Tribes Act and the 1918 Restriction of Habitual Offenders Act, which targeted communities and individuals without judicial process.