The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Monday expressed deep concern over and slammed the proposed Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour 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 sharp criticism of the proposed bill. The proceedings were overshadowed by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan’s surprise expression of ignorance about the proposed bill. The controversy erupted after opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan argued that the proposed legislation violated fundamental human rights and could affect future generations.

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

In a statement issued on X today, the 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 curbs on freedom of expression and speech.

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

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

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

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

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

Outlining PTI’s apprehensions regarding the bill, Akram said the proposed law grants committees open-ended authority to add new categories of anti-social behaviour without legislative oversight.

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

He contested that a judicial system already plagued by delays and police overreach allowed punitive administrative sanctions based on unproven allegations, inverting justice and enabling political victimisation 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 tackling modern challenges.”

Akram rubbished the stance of the PML-N government that the proposed legislation aimed at combatting hooliganism and online abuse by replacing the outdated 1959 law.

He called out the provincial government for “covertly introducing surveillance and pre-emptive punishment while maintaining the guise of progressive governance”.

Akram said the PTI viewed this as another example of the PML-N’s authoritarian drift in Punjab to stifle dissent and bypass 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.”

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

The controversial bill

The bill, based on stricter punishments and heavy fines, has been approved by the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs. Once passed by the Punjab Assembly, it will be enforced immediately.

Under the proposed law, strict punishments have been included.

A first-time conviction may result in imprisonment ranging from three to five years. Habitual offenders and repeat violators may face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to Rs2 million.

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

Police will also be authorised to carry out digital monitoring of criminals. Modern electronic surveillance will be permitted, while biometric and digital data of suspects will be collected.

Those displaying weapons on social media, resorting to aerial firing, impersonating government officials or harassing others will also face strict punishment under the law.

Supreme Court Advocate Saeed Yousaf Khan, an expert in criminal law, said amendments to the 1959 Goonda Act were aimed at making the law more effective. He said the legislation would enable strict action against hooliganism, extortion, gang-related crimes and the display of weapons at any place, including on social media.

Police would now be able to digitally monitor criminals. A first offence would carry a sentence of three to five years, while repeat offenders could face seven years in prison, a Rs2 million fine, blocking of CNICs and freezing of bank accounts.