HRCP, PTI criticize Punjab repeat offenders bill

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Monday expressed deep concern and criticized the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behavior Bill, warning that it appeared to grant sweeping powers to the executive without adequate judicial oversight and due process guarantees.

The Punjab Assembly on Sunday witnessed a heated session dominated by sharp criticism of the proposed bill. The proceedings were overshadowed by President Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan’s surprised expression of ignorance regarding the proposed bill. The controversy erupted after opposition MP Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan argued that the bill violated basic human rights and could affect future generations.

The speaker expressed serious concerns over the procedural handling of the bill, saying no bill could be referred to a committee without the speaker’s signature and called the revival of colonial-era legislation unacceptable.

In a statement published today on X, HRCP said the proposed legislation could allow authorities to impose intrusive restrictions on individuals, including surveillance, limits on freedom of movement, interference with property, and restrictions on freedom of expression and speech.

The commission said such measures, which directly affect fundamental rights, must conform to the constitutional principles of legality, necessity and proportionality rather than reflecting archaic and repressive laws of the colonial era.

The HRCP further announced that it plans to hold consultations with several stakeholders, including legislators, to generate strong opposition to the proposed bill and other similar legislative measures.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also condemned the proposed bill in an article on X.

“PTI vehemently condemns the Punjab government’s Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behavior Bill 2026, terming it a repressive colonial relic and a serious attack on fundamental rights, due process and democratic governance.”

He noted that the bill is headed for a vote in the provincial legislature.

Highlighting PTI’s apprehensions over the bill, Akram said the proposed law grants committees unlimited power to add new categories of anti-social behavior without legislative oversight.

“The bill constitutes a profound affront to the constitutional guarantees of due process, the presumption of innocence, security of the person, freedom of expression and the right to property,” stressed the party’s information secretary.

He challenged that a justice system already plagued by delays and police excesses allowed punitive administrative sanctions based on unproven allegations, subverting justice and enabling the political victimization of opponents, journalists, activists and citizens.

Comparing it to the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871, Akram said the bill revived “colonial instruments” of repression.

“It intensifies that heritage under the guise of meeting modern challenges.”

Akram refuted the PML-N government’s stance that the proposed legislation was aimed at tackling online hooliganism and abuse by replacing the outdated 1959 law.

He criticized the provincial government for “covertly introducing pre-emptive surveillance and sanctions while maintaining the appearance of progressive governance.”

Akram said the PTI saw this as another example of the PML-N’s authoritarian drift in Punjab to stifle dissent and circumvent constitutional protections.

“The party rejects the legislation and calls on the legal community, civil society, human rights defenders, journalists and citizens to oppose its passage. True security requires accountable institutions, fair trials and respect for rights, not recycled colonial tools of repression.”

He further stressed that Pakistan had suffered “enough” arbitrary power; therefore, the PTI reaffirmed its commitment to a democratic, constitutional and rights-based order, in which no citizen faces punishment without due process.

The controversial bill

The bill, based on stricter punishment and heavy fines, was approved by the standing committee on home affairs of the Punjab Assembly. Once passed by the Punjab Assembly, it will be implemented immediately.

As part of the bill, severe sanctions have been provided.

A first conviction can result in a prison sentence of three to five years. Repeat and repeat offenders face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to 2 million rupees.

National ID cards and bank accounts can also be blocked. Law enforcement agencies will be empowered to freeze and block CNICs and bank accounts of anti-social elements.

The police will also be authorized to carry out digital surveillance of criminals. Modern electronic surveillance will be permitted, while biometric and digital data of suspects will be collected.

Those who display weapons on social media, resort to aerial shooting, impersonate government officials or harass others will also be severely punished by law.

Supreme Court lawyer Saeed Yousaf Khan, a criminal law expert, said the amendments to the Goonda Act, 1959 were aimed at making the law more effective. He said the legislation would take tough action against hooliganism, extortion, gang-related crimes and display of weapons anywhere, including on social media.

Police would now be able to digitally monitor criminals. A first offense would attract a sentence of three to five years, while repeat offenders could face seven years in prison, a fine of Rs 2 million, blocking of CNICs and freezing of bank accounts.