Punjab Government to Introduce New Law to Crack Down on Criminal Elements

LAHORE: The Punjab government is set to introduce a new law titled The Punjab Control of Goondas Act 2025 aimed at curbing the activities of individuals involved in organised and repeat criminal offences across the province.

According to officials from the Punjab Home Department, a draft of the proposed legislation has been finalised. The law is designed to target individuals, commonly referred to as “goondas”, involved in a range of illegal activities including drug trafficking, extortion, cybercrime, harassment, and the public display of weapons.

Under the proposed act, District Intelligence Committees will have the authority to identify and designate such individuals as goondas. Once labelled, strict measures will follow — including the blocking of Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs), cancellation of passports, and freezing of bank accounts.

Additional penalties for designated goondas include the seizure of digital devices, cancellation of firearm licences, and placement on a no-fly list. Those who defy directives from the District Intelligence Committees may face imprisonment ranging from three to five years, along with fines up to Rs 1.5 million.

Repeat offenders will be subject to harsher consequences, with jail terms of up to seven years and fines reaching Rs. 2 million.