Punjab Anti-Social Behaviour Bill Triggers Rights Backlash

A proposed Punjab law aimed at habitual offenders and anti-social behaviour has triggered sharp criticism from political figures, lawyers, rights activists and journalists after details of the draft emerged in Lahore on Monday. The controversy centres on the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, which has already moved through the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Law.

The draft legislation has become one of the day’s most discussed political and civil rights stories because of the wide powers it could place in the hands of executive authorities. Critics say the proposed framework would allow state bodies to take punitive steps against citizens before any conviction by a court, raising concerns over due process, political misuse and constitutional protections.

According to the reported provisions, the bill would enable authorities to freeze bank accounts, attach property, remove or restrict online presence, seize phones, restrict travel-related documents and impose electronic surveillance. These actions could reportedly be based on an intelligence committee’s assessment, police material or repeated arrests, even where guilt has not been established through a criminal trial.

The strongest criticism came from commentators and rights voices who described the bill as an expansion of executive power at the cost of judicial safeguards. Political economist Yousuf Nazar warned that the proposed mechanism could allow committees dominated by police and intelligence officials to label citizens as habitual offenders or anti-social without first proving wrongdoing in court.

Digital rights activist Usama Khilji called the proposal outrageous and warned that it represented a further slide toward harsh state measures. Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair also criticised the scope of the bill, while PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the draft threatened due process, presumption of innocence, personal liberty, expression rights and property protections.

The controversy deepened because Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan was reportedly surprised when it emerged during Sunday’s session that the bill had already moved through the committee stage. He questioned why he had not been informed when the legislation was introduced on June 8 and warned the assembly secretariat of possible action over the handling of the matter.

Lawyers have also raised concerns over vague definitions in the proposed law, particularly around the phrase anti-social behaviour. They argue that broad wording can allow selective enforcement, especially if categories such as misinformation, public annoyance or abusive language are interpreted by administrative bodies rather than independent courts.

The debate has historical weight because critics are comparing the proposed law with colonial-era control measures that relied on surveillance, suspicion and collective punishment. Such comparisons have made the bill politically explosive at a time when Pakistan is already debating online censorship, police powers, political dissent and institutional accountability.

For Pakistan, the potential impact extends beyond Punjab’s provincial politics. If passed in its current form, the law could influence how other provinces approach security, digital speech and public-order legislation, while also affecting journalists, activists, opposition workers and ordinary citizens who may come under administrative scrutiny.

The next major test will be whether the Punjab government revises the draft, defends it in the assembly or pauses the process amid growing backlash. Civil society groups and opposition parties are expected to keep pressure on the government for judicial oversight, clearer definitions and stronger appeal mechanisms before any final vote is taken.