HRCP, PTI slam Punjab Habitual Offenders Bill

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

The Punjab Assembly on Sunday witnessed a stormy session dominated by harsh criticism of the proposed bill. The proceedings were overshadowed by President Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan’s shocked expression of ignorance about the bill. Controversy erupted after opposition AMP Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan argued that the proposed legislation violated fundamental human rights and could affect future generations.

The president had expressed serious concern over the procedural handling of the bill, saying that no bill could be referred to a committee without the president’s signature and calling the revival of colonial-era legislation unacceptable.

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

The commission said such measures, which directly affect fundamental rights, must comply with constitutional principles of legality, necessity and proportionality rather than reflect archaic and repressive colonial-era laws.

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

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram also condemned the proposed bill in a post on X.

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

He noted that the bill was headed toward a vote in the provincial legislature.

Outlining the PTI’s apprehensions regarding the bill, Akram said the proposed law gives committees indefinite authority to add new categories of anti-social behavior without legislative oversight.

“The bill is 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 questioned whether a judicial system already plagued by delays and police overreach allowed punitive administrative sanctions based on unproven accusations, reversing justice and allowing 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 these legacies under the guise of addressing modern challenges.”

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

He called out the provincial government for “covertly introducing surveillance and preventive punishment 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 suppress dissent and circumvent constitutional protections.

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

Furthermore, he highlighted that Pakistan had endured “enough” arbitrary power; Therefore, the PTI reaffirmed its commitment to a democratic, constitutional and rights-based order where no citizen faces punishment without due process.

The controversial bill

The bill, based on stricter punishments and high fines, has been passed by the Standing Committee on Home Affairs of the Punjab Assembly. Once passed by the Punjab Assembly, it will be implemented immediately.

Under the proposed law, strict punishments have been included.

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

National identity documents 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 digitally track criminals. Modern electronic surveillance will be allowed, while biometric and digital data will be collected from suspects.

Those who display weapons on social media, resort to aerial shooting, impersonate government officials or harass others will also face strict punishments under the 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 allow strict action against vandalism, extortion, gang-related crimes and the display of weapons anywhere, including on social media.

Police could now digitally monitor criminals. A first offense would carry 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.