Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill 2026 sparks major political storm in Assembly
The Punjab Assembly witnessed a second consecutive day of heated arguments over the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill 2026, which critics are also calling the Anti Social Behaviour Bill 2026.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stopped the debate, saying the legislation had not yet been formally placed before the House.
The Speaker directed that the draft bill be submitted to the Parliamentary Affairs Minister and the Assembly Secretariat for further review before lawmakers discuss it.
He also clarified that he was not present when the bill was referred to the relevant committee and said it would only be debated after completing the required legislative process.
The session began nearly two hours late as opposition members protested against the proposed law.
Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi described the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill 2026 as unconstitutional and warned that it could be used against political opponents and people exercising their right to free speech.
Also Read: PM announces National Agricultural Policy to drive Pakistan Agriculture reforms
What is the Anti Social Behaviour Bill 2026?
The Anti Social Behaviour Bill 2026, officially titled the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders Bill 2026, is designed to create a legal framework for monitoring and controlling people who are repeatedly involved in serious criminal or anti-social activities.
Under the proposed law, authorities would be able to identify individuals who are considered habitual offenders based on repeated involvement in specified offences.
Such individuals could face stricter monitoring, movement restrictions, reporting requirements, and other preventive measures ordered under the law.
The bill is intended to help law enforcement prevent repeat crimes, improve public safety, and take action against people who repeatedly disturb public order.
Supporters argue that similar preventive laws exist in different countries to deal with repeat offenders and organized criminal activity.
However, the Anti Social Behaviour Bill 2026 has become controversial because opposition lawmakers believe some of its provisions are too broad. ‘They argue the law could be used to target political activists, protesters, or critics of the government if not properly safeguarded.
Opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmad submitted a written request asking the Assembly to suspend the legislative process until the bill receives a detailed constitutional and legal review.
Also Read: Pakistan lodges protest over BBC Urdu report on AJK
According to his request, the proposed law could expand executive powers while reducing judicial oversight and may affect civil liberties protected under the Constitution.
Government members have not yet responded in detail to those legal objections, saying the bill has not formally reached the debate stage.
